Xflow ignition problem

[Westfield]

I have a 1700 xflow that has just refused to start. There is no spark at the plugs. I have done a few basic checks and these point to the electronic ignition unit which I believe is a Lucas one although there are no markings on the unit itself. The unit is about 3 inches square and about ¾ inch deep and is black in colour. It mounts by two 8 mm bolts through the body. The distributor is a lucas type with what I think is called a “hall†effect sensor.

 

My questions are:

 

Is this type of ignition still available and if so where could I purchase one and what might the cost be?

 

If its not available what should I replace it with?

 

I have to say that my Budget Allocation Manager (wife!) has indicated that there are very limited funds right at the moment so I may have to resort to a cheap fix to get me back on the road……

 

Can I use the distributor and ignition unit from a Ford Escort that has electronic ignition? I have seen these on the MK4 escort with a version of the Kent engine. Can you modify the advance curve on this type of distributor?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated; I was looking forward to a drive this weekend as the weather is looking good….

 

 

 

 

[Roger King]

Fromthe sound of it you have the standard Caterham ignition system. This was later changed to a completely different type of system. Unfortunately, what you have is both notoriously unreliable and out of production.

 

Check the rotor arm. It controls the ignition timing (bizarre but true), but is very prone to failure. It is also no longer available.

You should have a plastic rotor with a slotted steel skirt hanging down from underneath it. If the plastic and steel parts have parted company, that is the cause of the problem. It could be electrical too, so check all connections etc.

 

The only solution is to replace the ignition. There are various systems available, some of which will give improved power figs thanks to better advance curves. I don't know if you can use the Escort stuff, but it is unlikely to be truly compatible and may cause engine damage.

[JampJ]

Tony,i've got a spare unused rotor arm you can have if that's your problem.my cat is fitted with a lucas competition system,which does resemble yours,this is a constant energy ign system using an AB14 amplifier,lucas

43dm4 distributer and lucas DLB198 coil.the

disributer is fitted with a DRB104 rotor arm.

It's availble very good but a little expensive,around £160.Good Luck

CHEERS C7 POW.John Hall 0161 681 8015(h)

0860233252(m)

[stevefoster]

The Lucas sport system I had on my XF was fine. Roger K does them. Why not treat her to 3d mapping at the same time?