Electronic optical ignition

[Guest]

Hi everybody

I believe I have an electronic optical ignition fitted. God knows how old it is as I have no records from PO. I have read somewhere that the infrared beam can weaken over time.
What is your experience or recommendation given the fact the engine dies after a couple of miles?



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[Phil S]

May not be the ignition, but could be the coil as they can break down as they heat up.
Phil

[mallardstag]

The ignition system you have is a "Piranha" system by Newtronic Systems. This was a common system fitted in the 70s.

It looks from your photo that the optical interrupter disc fitted to the distributor is cracked. I don't think these are available any more but someone here may know where spares can be obtained or if it can be repaired.

Simon

[Guest]

Thanks Simon

I don't think there are any cracks either on the disc or the optical element. I admit it looks rather grubby and I have cleaned up a bit during the winter. And a new rotor has been fitted from LD. A new coil is going in tomorrow.

If the opinion is best to change the system I was going to opt for a Pertronix II Lu 181a or 183 (not sure which one) which seems to be recommended here before.

[mallardstag]

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This looks like a crack causing this slot to be wider than the others. I may be mistaken.

[5chaiaday]

If you do change the electronic ignition just be aware that the Piranha system uses its own customised base plate (at least the one I had did) so either select a system with a new base plate supplied or factor in the cost of a new stag original baseplate. Better you find out now than on a cold night far from home (as I did).......

Ed.