can't get a spark off any leads

[ENZO]

Hi everyone,
was wondering if anyone has had the same problem, ie after having a real bad misfire for 5 mins. stoppped, tried to start again and nothing.
Found to have a duff CTS which has been changed but still can't get a spark from any of the leads. Thought that a coil problem would at least give me two sparking or weak spark not completely dead???
Anyone have any ideas?

[Hinch]

Hi Enzo, sorry I cant help, I have exactly the same prob. no spark at any plug. Its obviously something common to all plugs but I know nothing about how the ignation system works on the Elan. It was all so simple on my MGB. Hopefully someone will come to our aid soon! Good luck!

Hinch

[Hinch]

Just wondering if you have made any progress with this, I see you havent had many replies. Normally I guess this kind of fault would be pretty straight forward on most cars, its going to be coil or distrubutor related in most cases. With the Elan it really doesnt seem to be that straight forward. There should be a systematic way of fault finding a problem like this working forward from the battery and checking out the components one by one all the way to the plugs themselves, but Im a bit lost I have to confess. I just know that if I take it to the garage it will turn out to be something quite straightforward that I could have fixed myself. If only there was a Haynes manual. The workshop manuals we have are great but not that easy to follow really unless you are a motor engineer. A Troubleshooting guide would be a godsend.

I would be tempted to just change everything from the coil forwards until the problem was resolved. I have new plugs and leads and have ordered a new Hall Effect Sensor, Ive cleaned and checked all connections from the battery terminals through to the coil and plugs.

Coils available at £150 if you decide to go that route.

Let me know how youre getting on

[Hinch]

Ha! Just realised you posted this in 2006, hop youve got to the bottom of it then by now!!

[BFG in the BRG]

Hi Hinch, dunno if this helps - infact you may already have sorted it out by now, but, because the car is fibreglass, the coils are mounted on a metal plate which is earthed - might be worth taking the coils packs off and having a look - I can't remember if there was an earthing strap - there possibly was - if you are still stuck I can have a look on mine, the plates should be rust free though.
There's 4 bolts holding the coils on - IIRC about a 10mm socket required - it is straightforward to remove them - you can see one bolt on each coil pack - and one is hidden but easy to reach and feel.
Might be worth posting this question under general problem - you might get more replies - usually you would be fending off advise with a stick!

Hope this helps

[dapinky]

IIRC about a 10mm socket required

Ahhh, one of those blokes who doubles the size of everything in conversation

(mine were 5.5mm)

[BFG in the BRG]

Smart Arse! actually I think you are correct Mr Pink