I am confused. If a high voltage is passed (is it passed by a physical connection or does it leap within the coil by the way?) to the HT out why does it also need to earth through its body? Does it not earth through the plugs in any way and therefore need the negative earth through its body...

Your response was awesome mate and have it printed out. I started to work through it today but it was so cold I was struggling with the dexterity of me digits so gave in! I know you said to check the resistance from the coil body to battery -Ve which along with JohnyCurts point made me want to...

So, for clarification, does the coil require earthing through it's body or not? Is that why you said the above or am I missing the point?

Just did this and got a very small spark - so small it's difficult to tell the colour but if I had to say I would say slightly orange. Sometimes it appears noticeably blue but not often. It also only sparks when I quickly brush the + terminal, if i keep it there for a second or two then remove...

Did you click the link in the first post?

Well I did replace the condensor but it's the first time I've ever opened up a distributor so I may well have messed something up there or just missed an obvious fault with it. I'm out all day today (enforced break from the car before it broke my spirit :D ). Will get back to it tomorrow with...

Reattached and still no firing and no spark from the HT lead. I guess I will replace the lead and all the other stuff and see if it helps, was trying not to spend any more money :( but perhaps the HT lead is naff.

Thanks James, I'll get the other bits I need to replace what you suggest anyway then. I've just measured voltage again this time across the two terminals (is this right?) and it now shows 12V ign on and about 8V cranking which seems more like it. As I moved the wire on "-" it snapped off...

The guy who told me the coil earthed through its bracket was an AA mechanic. You gotta laugh.

Just thought, when taking readings I was using coil body as the earth side of the circuit - is that the right way to do it for measuring both the terminals? frazzled.

I have just taken the Voltage reading from the coil. I am so confused, cold and pee'd off so hope someone clever comes along soon. With the ignition not on at all both "-" and "+" read about 35mV With the ignition at II (i.e. dash lights on) the "-" (connected to dizzy) goes from 200mV to...

MY SICK S3 TURNS OVER BUT JUST WON'T FIRE. It started getting tempermental with the wet weather and fired on some days in the dry but now won't fire whatever the conditions. I have done the following so far and am at the point where I am about to buy a new coil, but on such a tight budget...

Thanks for everyones input. On the Defenders, is there any insultaion/soundproofing in the back or is it just a thin sheet of metal seperating you from the elements (like the Series)?

Htsh?

Like the option of being able to explore with diesel alternatives as well.

Thanks guys, this is all really very useful. I am suggestible to a roof tent but was put off by prices I've seen and also it seems a little exposed being perched up there on the roof. I don't care about that too much from a security aspect but as I see myself sleeping in car parks as often as...

Nice, thanks for your replies. So I think I am still leaning towards the Disco then. Does anyone have any opinions to share on the engines TDi/Td5/V8? Obviously not just the "newer is better" but still taking into account reliability, affordability/value-for-money/mpg, maintenance on the go...

Hey all, Having chucked in the office job and sold the house I am looking to buy a Disco or Defender in the next couple of months. I plan to pretty much live out of it for the next year whilst undertaking various trips. I was leaning towards a Disco on the basis that 1) it would probably...

Thanks mate but think you've only read halfway through the post :) It was the switch you say but we got to the bottom of that one 2 weeks ago :doh:

keeniemeenie - no problem bud, glad it's been of use. Nice to know other people in the same boat as well so I don't feel so alone! I actually drove it to the petrol station this afternoon and it refused to start again for about 2 minutes. I was just starting to panic when it burst into life...