Allegro Club International

[J Dawson]

Went to start the car this morning, turned it over a few times but nothing doing. The complete reluctance to attempt to fire suggested an ignition fault. Now, as you know, I had cleaned up the original and correct distributor, but left the old electrical gubbins in. This had been working fine since I changed it a few days ago. I did the usual tests and was getting a spark at the points but not at the plug leads.

Out came the condensor, an unbranded one, and in went a proper Lucas job, and it fired up instantly.
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Austin - you can DEPEND on it!

1976 Allegro 1100 4-dr saloon

Squeak, rattle & roll

[Graham]

Them darn condensers
Always a suspect with odd ignition problems.
Cheap and easy to change.
Always first thing to change on my list.
Good job!

[M. Irvine]

Unfortunately today, many components marked as 'Lucas' are not even made to the original standard. Due to their construction, and self-healing ability, proper Lucas condensers were very reliable, like their ignition coils.

Apart from company names being sold off, counterfeit parts are very common in the replacement car parts market, especially if purchased on the internet!

Caveat Emptor!

Merv.
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ALLEGRO = Agile, Lively, Legendary, Economical, Genial, Reliable & Outstanding.

[J Dawson]

Wise words.

I didn't mention that this was an 'old stock' Lucas condensor, properly marked with the ratings, so there should be no more drama.

I always fit 'old stock' items where possible, gathering proper spares from autojumbles. I think Intermotor stuff is decent enough, though.

Perhaps this is one reason why many have converted to electronic ignition, but I am very happy with the original setup.
_________________
Austin - you can DEPEND on it!

1976 Allegro 1100 4-dr saloon

Squeak, rattle & roll