I'm getting my 1967 XKE 4.2 out of winter storage; won't start. Cleaned and gapped plugs. Verified fuel pump is working and pressurizing system. Plenty of power from the battery and the engine spins fast. During cranking, there's no spark at the points, nor is there a spark when I remove a spark plug wire and hold it near metal.

I have "Jaguar E Type 1961-70 Autobook by Kenneth Ball, Autopress, LTD. My next step is to follow his 3 step troubleshoot on page 43 for testing the low tension circuit. Step one is to connect 12 volt bulb between "CB Terminal" on coil and the cable from the distributor connected to it and see if it goes on/off when points are closed/open. Continuously lit bulb means short circuit in distributor or faulty capacitor. Second step is to connect bulb between "SW terminal" on coil and ground and see if bulb remains on or is off. Third step if bulb doesn't light at all is to test wiring for short.

For now my questions are: 1) In addition to the HT terminal there are two low tension terminals (so-called "lucar tabs") on the front of the coil, How do I tell the "CB terminal" from the "SW Terminal" since they don't seem to be marked? and 2) Any suggestions as to what else to check?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Anthony Hartnett

Submitted by tvtom@sbcglobal.net on Thu, 06/10/2010 - 10:15

When the engine was last stopped, if the ignition points were standing open, they often develop corrosion on the faces of the points if inactive for an extended period.

Remove the distributor cap and rotor and clean the points. I've used fine sandpaper but others may suggest other material. You may need to check the point gap and timing after this although the engine should start and run.

Good luck!