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MG MGA - Ignition failure

This topic has been covered in various threads but I cannot find a solution! I am nearly at the end (HaHa!) of restoring a 1957 MGA coup, in the family since new.This has been a nut and bolt restoration which has included all new electrics.
This week as the final step, it was time to fire up the engine. Turn on the ignition, fuel pump pumping OK, full choke, pull starter. Lots of cranking and one or two exhaust backfires but no ignition.
Coil OK, changed plugs to no effect. Checked 12v connection to coil with 12v test light. This lit up briefly and faded.
Checked and cleaned (again) the ignition switch (original switch), checked wiring OK, checked earthing (negative), battery fully charged. Still no ignition.
So question is:
What is causing this apparent leakage of current prior to reaching coil?
NB possibly also related is the failure of the indicator flasher, main beam dip switch (and rear fog light), wiper motor and heater motor. The horn on a different fuse works, as do the head lights, the side lights, panel lights and cigar lighter.
I must advise anyone responding that I am a complete novice with electrics, so please keep the response simple and in non jargon
P. N. Baxter

Let me start with a simple one. I note you had a backfire. Are you certain the distributor is correctly lined up, and that its not out by 180 degrees?
Graham V

I'm with Graham, though it may be just a bit off timing, not 180. Take off the rocker cover, get No. 1 Cyl at 10 deg before TDC then the points should be close to open for No 1.
Also check the firing sequence 1342
Art Pearse

Thanks to all who have and intend to contribute. Having gone through endless tests and adjustments, I went back to basics. And guess what I had the firing order wrong! Basically I had it for the rotor going anticlockwise, once the HT leads for the plugs were arranged for clockwise it fired first time!
HOW FOOLISH DO I FEEL
Still got to sort out the other electrical issues, but this is a big step forward!!
P. N. Baxter

Well done. Good you got it sorted.
At least Art and I were in the right ball park.
Graham V

Sorry Art, bit harsh on you - you mentioned to check the firing sequence not me!
Graham V

I'm a bit confused. I always thought that the MGA distributor/rotor turned CCW when viewed from the top.
I guess I need to go out to the garage and check.
Ahrendt

Yep,me too---- it's counterclockwise
William Revit

Nice to hear you got it running!
S

This thread was discussed between 12/12/2021 and 19/12/2021

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