Troubleshooting with Steve Rothwell

TRIUMPH DOLOMITE SPRINT

COIL REPLACEMENT

Q Recently I have felt a stuttering when accelerating in my 1976 Triumph Dolomite Sprint. The points system was changed some time ago for the Lumenition optronic system and has been trouble-free, but I think the fault may be with the 9v ballasted coil. With this in mind, I was wondering if I should discard the ballast system and revert to a standard 12v coil?

Mike Perry

A The short answer is no, I would stick with the 9v ballasted coil arrangement and if you suspect it is the resistor which is to blame, then the complete coil and resistor unit can be purchased from Rimmerbros.com for under £30. The ballast system is designed to improve starting as it uses a direct feed to the coil during starting – when the starter is turning, the voltage available will normally drop to around 9v, and so at this point the coil will get the voltage it needs. Without a ballasted system, the reduced voltage to the coil would impair its ability to produce a good spark, and so starting performance may be less reliable.

MG 1300 MKII

MAINTENANCE ADVICE

I have a 1971 MG 1300 MkII which – like many classic owners I am sure – I fully maintain myself. I regularly change the oil and filter although the mileage would not really warrant it, and apply grease where required. I have been considering recently whether