Replace ignition system?

[OlafR]

Hi everybody,

my 1972 P5B had a problem with the ignition before I released it into its winter sleep last year.

The car started when being cold and also drove, but once warmed up and turned off, it no longer started.

A mechanic told me that I should replace the ignition coil and probably the distributor as well, but I suppose that would mean I would have to also remove the security measure resp. anti theft that leads from the coil to the steering column/ ignition lock (don't recall its name). Any hints on how I should best go about this?

[Phil Nottingham]

It does look to be the coil or possibly the condenser. I would not replace the dizzy yet. The ring around the TP coil can be removed to access the ignition cable. It cannot be successfully replaced on a new 12v Sports coil. I removed the whole TP set up and wired the coil up via a console ignition switch and new supply feed to the nearside wing as in earlier models. This also allows the accessories and ignition on electrics like instruments and heater fan to work properly.  Do not bother with a ballast coil

[enigmas]

How did the 'mechanic' arrive at that conclusion Olaf? Any deductive reasoning associated with it? I'm assuming you are still running a points distributor? Of course you can simply replace everything with new components! But is it really necessary?

You might find this informative Youtube video by Tony of UTG informative. He's a clever, hands on mechanic who knows his stuff. 😉

[OlafR]

Thanks, guys! Well, the biggest problem is the fact that I'm completely at loss when it comes to stuff like this. As such, I have to rely on what the pros tell me, right?

I'll have a look at the videos though, so thanks for those, but I am not presuming that they'll convey enough expertise to even understand what Phil was trying to tell me.

FWIW, I've thoroughly searched the forum, but didn't find anything about this. I presume that "TP" means "theft protection" (?), but I can't find anything with that phrase either, and the stupid forum software requires at least 3 letters for a search.

If you guys have any info on what I'd have to look for, I'm all ears. I can't imagine that this question hasn't come up yet!

Cheers,

Olaf

[lagain]

Just put this into Google;

'Rover P5b ignition coil'


and it comes up with 4 forum posts. I find it easier to use Google than search

[Phil Nottingham]

TP = Thief Proof.

[enigmas]

Hi Olaf. I'm guessing that your not the sole Rover P5B owner in Germany and that perhaps there's another enthusiast reasonably close by with some automotive mechanical/electrical skills, even if it's in relation to a classic VW Beetle. It truly doesn't get anymore basic than a points distributor ignition system.