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Electric ignition?
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=32763		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  screech [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Electric ignition?
How much does it cost to change my mini from normal ignition to electric.
I was thinking it might be something I will need to do coming into winter with the mini soon to be my daily untill troy takes it to melbourne.

I cbf doing a search for info, so if someone could link me I'd really appreciate it, as I'm on night shift at the moment, with no external net at work.

The main thing I want to know is what is involved with it and how much it costs.

Thanks Heaps
Cass
Author:  ss wanab [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
it doesnt really do anythin for u in winter

off the top of my head its around the $200 mark just means u dont have to change the points on the car
Author:  Mike_Byron [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
Cass
I dont think you need electronic ignition for your circumstances. The main use of electronic distributors is to give that extra boost under performance conditions.

The old points type for minis have lasted forty years and are still functioning. I only have a points type on my mini and it works fine hot or cold. Electronic types do fail and need an electronics type person to repair them. The points also fail but changing points is something that can be done on the side of the road.

The main thing with any distributor is that it is in good shape. That is; the the bushes (or bearings) are not worn and there is no play in the shaft. The vaccuum mechanism (if fitted) must be moving freely and functioning. The points, condensor etc must be in good condition and correctly adjusted. The rotor button also needs inspection. Then we come to the distributor cap and the high tension ignition leads.

The above checks apply equally to an electronic dizzy - sans points condensor etc.

IMO money would be better spent checking that your existing dizzy is good and reco-ing if necessary. Its more of an auto leccie than a mechanic's job.
Author:  screech [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
From my understanding a car with electric ignition is less likely to stop running in the rain if stuff gets wet, am I correct? Since we've been having alot of rain, and are due for more, I'd like my car to not stop running while I'm driving in the cold and wet to work...
Author:  ss wanab [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
nope wont help a better thing to get would be a
dizzy/water protector its a big peice of plastic that bolts onto the front of the motor to keep them out off the water


i have never had a problem with water in the dizzy and many people i spoke to never have ether
Author:  Mike_Byron [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
No - rain will get into an electronic dizzy just as easily and it can do a lot more damage because of the electronic components.

Its a better idea to water proof the dizzy to prevent it getting wet. Many things have been tried and found to be successful from kitchen gloves over the dizzy with the leading coming out the finger holes and the holes sealed with silicone etc. Or a bit of plastic sheet (or metal or whatever) across the grill in front of the dizzy. Or a cut down ice cream container over the dizzy and protecting it.

With a bit of attention to detail, mini are no more susceptible to water stoppages than any other car. They dont like deep water though.
Author:  screech [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
Cool, Thanks for your Help Mike.
Author:  KLAS [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
and you don't even need rain.
some time ago, very hot day, mini drives perfect with Pertronix Ignitor. the temperature dropped about 20°C and the engine died. and just at the moment i was standing in front of the car drying the cap from condensated humidity it started to rain
Author:  1310/71 [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have to disagree here. Agreed the expense of a pertronix type setup is not warranted, but I still say the Gemini starter motor; and pulsar dizzy conversions make for a more reliable, easier starting, and better wet-weather protection and a much more pleasant car to drive.

Because the pulsar dizzy is held on with two screws and has a rubber o-ring recessed into the dizzy body which protrudes up and seals against the cap, it has better wet weather protection. Better, more modern bearings etc.

The gemini starter spins faster, uses a different part of the ring gear and has the better engagement. Both mods cost about $40 each with parts from the wreckers, and about 1/2 or less each to modify to fit. Yes they're not lucas, but that is a good thing!
KB
Author:  Sprite_Man [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mike_Byron wrote:
The main use of electronic distributors is to give that extra boost under performance conditions.
.


:? I don't understand how that can be concluded.
There is same amount of air still going into the head, and the crank is still spinning at the same speed right? so how is boost involved.

Power maybe - due to the strength of the spark - but that isn't due to it being electronic or non-electric. Spark strengh and duration are contributors to power. A well set up group of points could be just as good as an electronic ignition.

Points and no points is an age old arguement. Comes down to personal preference. The major reason why people move to electronic is (and it is their opinion) is that point burn out and you suffer from spark scatter, causing less power due to the timing of ignition being out. Electronic ignition wont suffer from spark scatter as much as points, as there is no contant.

Is it more reliable ? - well you are putting a dizzy that is newer in your car so probably consider that before you conclude.

There are two ways to go.
1). Buy a Pertronix Kit (or another brand) and use the same dizzy. could be anywhere in the range of $80 to $200. Depending on brand.

2). Modify a nissan pulsar dizzy (part # D4R83 or D4R85 ) which could be about $80 if you shop around. Then re-map the advance curve to suit.

There is a sticky on this topic that tells you how to do it. Simple really. People say that you put it in and leave it, never have to fix your points again. I have both systems..., but I understand why people prefer points. - If your electronic dizzy fails, call a tow truck. If your points fail, clean them with a rock on the side of the road.

close the can of worms now.
Author:  Mike_Byron [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Kevin
Good in theory - have you actually ever driven your mini in the rain ???? More than a quick whip around the block, that is.
Author:  1310/71 [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mike_Byron wrote:
Kevin
Good in theory - have you actually ever driven your mini in the rain ???? More than a quick whip around the block, that is.


There was one time..............about three years ago.

No, it has been out in the rain on a few occasions, but I will grant you, it is not a daily driver. I drove it to bowral a few weekends ago and had a sore back for about three days afterwards.
KB
Author:  speedy [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
To answer the original question, $80 for a kit from Mini King.

I have one of each, the only difference that I notice is that electronic ignition car is a lot easier to start.
Author:  screech [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Speedy :D
It takes about 5 tries to start my mini after it hasnt started in a few days.... I will be giving it a run tomorrow after I get up.
Author:  speedy [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
The pros and cons have been discussed on here many times, do a search on "electronic". 8)

For me, electronic ignition is a better, newer way, and IMHO more reliable.
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