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MG MGA - Spark plugs and electronic ignition

Morning guys, nice morning in the new forest today,
Thanks for all you help with my backfiring problem, I'm still working on it but getting there,
I fitted a new rear wiring loom ! That was a challenge but now complete and all good job.
I want to change my spark plugs and fit electronic ignition, in the distributor, on my MGB I think I fitted Sparkrite, what do you think ?
Also what spark plugs are best for MGA ?
Cheers Jack.
Jack New Forest

Jack

I fitted an Aldon Ignitor which is I believe the UK version of the USA Petronix system. Worked brilliantly for me since 2006. Not had to do any maintenance work on it since then. I also bought the Aldon higher performance coil to go with it. The ignition unit fits inside the distributer so the only visible external signs are the 2 wires from the unit. Make sure you get the correct one for your polarity.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I would get it running properly with the standard set up before making things more complicated Jack! NGK recommend their B6ES for the standard MGA engine. It's what I use.
Lindsay Sampford

Thanks Lindsay and Steve, all sounds good info, yes Lindsay it is running not too bad at the moment, I'm thinking of reliability for the future, I know when I fitted electronic to my MGBGT I had many years and several long trips in France ran sweet as a nut.
I'll have a look at that one Steve sounds good.

Cheers guys.
Jack New Forest

You need to be fitting your electronic ignition to an engine that is running faultlessly so that any faults that show up during the installation or shortly thereafter can be attributed to a faulty electronic unit or the way it is connected. If you have an existing fault and add a new ignition system to the mix, you won't know what to blame! If your existing misfire problem was caused by an electrical fault, you could even subject your new unit to conditions that could be damaging to it. Get it right, THEN install your electronic ignition. Don't use the electronic ignition as a cure for bad running!
Lindsay Sampford

The alternative option Lindsay is to swap over to a new electronic distributor with matching coil, ignition leads and new plugs.
That would eliminate all of the usual ignition suspects in one go.

Electronic Ignition usually works perfectly but if something fails, it doesn't work at all and it usually can't be fixed at the roadside. ( unless you carry a spare)

Mine worked fine for 9 years until an alternator problem sent 25 volts through it and burnt it out. (Since sorted)

Colyn



Colyn Firth

After many years of resisting I have the same Petronix system as Steve. No regrets and stronger coil is ell worth it. I do though carry a complete known working conventional distributor, including leads, as if an electronic one does ever fail it will be a complete failure. I keep it well wrapped up alongside master cylinder tucked under shroud.

But others are right do fix problems first.

Paul
Paul Dean

Yes completely agree Lindsay, I've no intention if fixing the electronic ignition without being happy that the misfiring has been narrowed down to a particular fault and fixed, all good stuff guys keep it up, and a big thanks.
Jack New Forest

But Colyn, what about one of your fuel problems masquerading as an ignition fault! I still say fix it first, then change.
Lindsay Sampford

This thread was discussed between 28/03/2017 and 29/03/2017

MG MGA index

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