Ignition system component check (Every 24 000 miles (40 000 km) or 2 years)

1 Before disturbing any part of the ignition system, disconnect the battery negative lead.

2 Identify and clearly mark all HT leads before disconnecting them from the spark plugs.

3 Refer to the appropriate Section in Chapter 5 and, where applicable, remove the distributor cap and rotor arm.

4 Clean the HT leads and distributor cap with a dry cloth. Scrape any corrosion or other deposits from the connectors and terminals.

Also clean the coil tower.

5 Renew the HT leads if they are cracked, burnt or otherwise damaged. If a multi-meter is available, measure the resistance of the leads. The desired value is given in the Specifications of Chapter 5.

6 Renew the distributor cap if it is cracked or badly burnt inside, or if there is evidence of “tracking” (black lines marking the path of HT leakage). If there is a carbon brush at the centre of the cap, make sure that it moves freely, and is not excessively worn (see illustration).

39.6 Bosch distributor cap showing HT segments (A) and carbon brush (B)
39.6 Bosch distributor cap showing HT segments (A) and carbon brush (B)

7 Clean the metal track of the rotor arm with fine abrasive paper. Renew the arm if it is cracked or badly burnt.

8 Refit the rotor arm and distributor cap.

9 Reconnect the HT leads to the spark plugs and coil.

10 Reconnect the battery and run the engine.

    See also:

    Fuel pump - testing, removal and refitting
    Note: Refer to the warning at the end of Section 1 before proceeding. Testing 1 The fuel pump may be quite simply tested by disconnecting the fuel inlet pipe from the carburettor and placing its ...

    Charge air temperature sensor - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 The charge air temperature sensor is only used on KE-Jetronic systems and is located in the air inlet duct (see illustration). 17.1 Charge air temperature sensor location (arrowed) 2 ...

    Engine idle speed check (Every 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months)
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1, Chapter 4, Part A or B (as applicable), before proceeding. Before carrying out any carburettor adjustments, ensure that the ignition timing and sp ...