The Rover-Landers of BC

just trying to figure out why the beast won't start. from the top;

cranks but no spark as tested by hold a spark plug removed from the cylinder block and held against the block while cranking.
checked the distributor cap and cleaned with electronic cleaner.
then i spotted this electronic device wired to/between the coil and the distributer. I can locate it in a wiring diagram.

what is it?

Hm. By the looks of it, I assume something like an electronic rust protection module, or a unit to control daytime running lights, for example.

It does not appear to be an old gps cellular locator, we've sold many of them, and they are much larger, and not potted with plastic cement inside like this one. This was designed to be water resistant.

Surprised there isn't a model name and manufacturer, perhaps on the back of the unit.



Adam.

Obviously it's a Lucas Magic Smoke container , it holds surplus magic smoke and allows some of it to flow through the electrical system to where it's needed , it's kind of a backup system to allow the electrical to lose some magic smoke ( through the switches and solenoids etc.. ) and still work. Whatever you do don't unplug it and let all your excess magic smoke out because that is just asking for trouble on a Land Rover.........


actually I have no Idea...... Ignition module perhaps ( next to the coil.....)

Do you have an after market electronic ignition set-up? In your picture it looks like a control or amplifier module for such a system. That's the only thing that I could think of that would be between the coil and distributor...

Paul in Victoria

Not sure if it has an aftermarket ignition. I am beginning to think so though

This is the only 2.5 land rover I have ever seen.

I turned in the ignition switch and I have power at the coil. I don't see a spark when I crank the engine over. There is a strange clicking sound coming from the coil.

I will check the ground next to see if that is the problem

Any other ideas?

Could it be some kind of Engine Immobilizer?

Immobilzer? Yup could be. Or a signal booster? I figured out its most likely not an electronic ignition module or something as it looks like it has a set of points and condenser under the distributor cap.

Went to Lordco to get replacement condenser but they don't carry parts for this truck.

Any suggestions where I can pick up points, condenser, rotor and a new cap? It's a 2.5 petrol.

Thanks

I'm assuming your distributor is a lucas 45d or similar.

I've had great results ordering from three brothers classic rovers in Ontario. http://www.3brothersclassicrovers.com/

Also for distributor parts, I've ordered from SimonBBC http://www.simonbbc.com/ignition-spares
You could also get rid of the points and go electronic.

Locally, there is Jeremy from Rocky Mountain Springs. Their website only shows the rocky mountain suspension stuff, but he has a lot of other parts in stock. http://parabolicsprings.com/

I'm sure the Rovalution guys would also likely have something in stock, but I haven't dealt with them so can't speak to it, although they are a sponsor and quite highly regarded.

For local suppliers you can also try Aart @ UK Trek & Traction (888-2813).

i ordered an electronic ignition kit from simonbbc.com thanks for the tip swamijake

will post the result once it arrives and i get it installed

replaced points and condenser with the simmons electronic ignition kit.

i also bought an ignition switch from paddock spares as the old on was broken and the PO bypassed it with a push button

trying to figure out which wire goes on which connection on the started switch. if anyone knows please let me know.

the wiring diagram in the LR pdf manual doesnt match the colours in my defender.

thanks

Well it runs fine now. Learnt a few things along the way. Watched one YouTube video on how an ignition coil works to figure out the final connection and it fired up. Set the timing up and it purrrrrs like a tractor.