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MG MGB Technical - Ignition Coil

My current ignition coil is looking rather tired and has seen better days. I want to replace it, what is the best one to go for. It's a 73 BGT.
MD Rice

Just a standard 12V off the shelf unit is all you need.

Get one of the ones with 'super sport hi-power etc' pasted on it if you have some extra to spend and want some bling...
Hal Adams

"looking tired" is no measure of effectivenes! Sometimes old stuff is better than the new.
Art Pearse

MD-
Don't let appearances deceive you. An ignition coil is one of those things that either work as designed, or doesn't work at all. If you want to increase ignition power, simply install a Lucas Sport ignition coil for an unballasted system. It's Lucas Part # DLB105. It'll give a more powerful spark, which is an advantage under difficult conditions such as starting the engine on cold winter days. It will not increase the power output of a stock engine. It will, however, decrease the lifespan of your contact breaker points.
Stephen Strange

Also measure the primary resistance of the coil (between the spades) before fitting it, and ideally before parting with any money. There is some very confusing labelling and confused suppliers out there. The coil for a 1973 should measure about 3 ohms, maybe as low as 2.4 ohms for a Sport coil. If it measure lower than that reject it.
Paul Hunt

Or try cleaning it and spend the money on something that is broken!
Michael Beswick

Nothing is broken (yet) so what's the harm in replacing parts? The car has sat around doing nothing for 4 years. It's not going o be put straight on the road until I am happy with it.
MD Rice

"what's the harm in replacing parts?"

There speaks a newbie (no offence intended). Significant problems can be introduced by changing things, bad enough when they have to be, much worse if they didn't. The more things you disturb the more likely you are to upset something round it that would have been fine if left alone.

Parts quality can be very variable. There is enough of a market in these cars to make it worth suppliers time in seeking the manufacturer of cheap copies in order to undercut rivals. Ignition components are a case in point, with recent rotors having caused no end of problems. Some time ago a couple of specialist suppliers came out with red rotors that didn't suffer from the problems the copy black ones did, at a higher price. Now it's difficult to find anything but red, as anyone can make cheap copies in red as well as black, so you still need to buy from the specialists. Caps ditto, with the centre carbon contacts falling out, and there are many more examples.

The best thing you can do is fix what's obviously wrong, then get out there and drive it. Anything else that needs doing will then show itself. After that you can 'enhance and improve' to your heart's content.
Paul Hunt

Ok that's a fair point I will give it a check then wait for it to break.
MD Rice

Mike and Paul have very good points, not always but often, the original parts are better quality than new replacements

coils generally last years (decades)

I think I put before about checking parts so if some of this is repeating sorry but never assume a new part, component or fixing will not be faulty, some recent new parts have been of poor quality or faulty including rubber products like hoses, TRE, steering gaiters - electrical items like indicator flasher units, brake light switches, CB points, condensers, dissy caps and rotor arms

despite what some put in their service kits CB points and condenser are not items changed at regular servicing, always try to clean CB points before replacing (unless they're also worn or too pitted), condensers, like coils, are rarely faulty

good quality dissy items like, proper red rotor arms and good quality CB points and condenser you can get from Distributor Doctor - http://www.distributordoctor.com/

your HT leads look OK but if anyone else needs good quality made leads (by the actual manufacturer rather than just labelled) - http://www.performanceleads.co.uk/

many problems can be solved by cleaning and/or lubricating parts and components, many elements of servicing, maintenance and repair can be basically cleaning and/or lubricating

I'd be inspecting the tyres on your car regardless of tread depth left, the tyres effect the braking, steering, handling, ride comfort and noise

as Paul put, and me before, driving the car will improve it along with servicing and maintenance
Nigel Atkins

Nigel, that first comma in the first sentence of your last post make it look like Mike and Paul don't always make very good points! ;o)

MD, if you want a shiny coil, try some Solvol Autosol on it. If it is badly oxidised, use some wire wool first.
Dave O'Neill2

Dave,
it's the second comma that shouldn't be there, I did actually notice but only after the end of the edit time but I then forgot

apologies to Mike and Paul

I blame this keyboard, my speelling, and grammer, are usually top notch as Dave is unable to confirm
Nigel Atkins

Indeed!
Dave O'Neill2

Mike and Paul have very good points. Not always, but often, the original parts are better quality than new replacements. (?)
R Taylor

nope - my intention was to tie in Mike and Paul's points were about the quality of new parts, so -

Mike and Paul have very good points, not always but often the original parts are better quality than new replacements

but it's a poor sentence anyway and could easily be improved on, have a look at some of my other posts, Guy thinks I just random words together and sometimes it does look a bit like I did!

I wonder if Ricey has blinged up his coil or found another wrinkle in a car that hasn't moved in 4 years
Nigel Atkins

Ricey is busy still trying to sort his servo out. At the moment I am moving to Oxford and get my garage so sorting out towing the car down so it finally doesn't have to sit outside. Then will get onto the engine bay and cleaning it up. I have noticed some water leaking out of my water pump so that's the next issue to address.
MD Rice

sounds like the perfect time clean the 'water' cooling system, I've got some quick notes on an easy thorough cleaning method if you want it
Nigel Atkins

Yes please Nigel if you don't mind.
MD Rice

sorry I forgot my email address isn't showing

email me at nigel atkins (one word) at bt internet (one word) dot com

Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 11/06/2013 and 15/06/2013

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