Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

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Roge1
Posts: 73
Joined: 10 Mar 2011 10:51 pm

Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

Post by Roge1 » 06 Nov 2015 04:01 pm

Hey folks,

Can anyone advise on the easiest/most cost effective way to convert my 1985 340 (B14 engine) from manual choke to electronic ignition, or recommend the best kit etc?

Something I've not really looked into before, so your experience and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance 340pw

Roge1

Ride_on
Posts: 2262
Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

Post by Ride_on » 06 Nov 2015 11:24 pm

Hmm would you like to rephrase that?

A 1985 will have electronic ignition and a manual choke. There are no auto choke models and you don't want one. If you mean fuel injection, again there are no B14 injection models and it would be a big undertaking.

What are you trying to achieve? The 1985 B14 is fine with correctly adjusted carb and computerised ignition.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

Roge1
Posts: 73
Joined: 10 Mar 2011 10:51 pm

Re: Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

Post by Roge1 » 07 Nov 2015 01:23 am

Hi and thanks for the reply. Main 'gripe' is that the engine has never run well, even after a carb refurb, service, etc, and every time I use the choke it seems to burn a lot of fuel regardless of how sparingly it is used! In all honesty I've had varying issues with the engine, specifically the idling aspect, over the last few years, and was just interested if there was anything worth doing to make the driving experience 'easier'!

Rgds

Roge1

Ride_on
Posts: 2262
Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

Post by Ride_on » 07 Nov 2015 05:38 am

Clearly something not right with it. Check the breather is properly restricted at the bottom of the carb by blocking/squeezing the pipe. If the engine sounds different the restrictor is missing.

I do prefer injection but you need a 360 GLT for that, or major engine + support system changes.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

Roge1
Posts: 73
Joined: 10 Mar 2011 10:51 pm

Re: Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

Post by Roge1 » 08 Nov 2015 05:34 pm

How easy/difficult is it to source and replace the restrictor, if that turns out to be at fault?

Thanks again.

Roge1

Ride_on
Posts: 2262
Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

Post by Ride_on » 09 Nov 2015 02:02 pm

You can just roll up a bit of paper and put it in the pipe attached to the bottom of the carb for temporary repair, it depended on year if the restriction is in the pipe or the T piece at the valve cover. You can make something easy enough.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

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trabitom99
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Posts: 4398
Joined: 06 Jan 2007 02:38 pm
Location: Bonn, Germany

Re: Thinking 'bout converting to electronic igntion

Post by trabitom99 » 09 Nov 2015 03:24 pm

I can see the attraction of swapping a points-based system for Renix ignition (hard to get good points these days) but you've already that installed from the factory as Ride_on says ...

Good luck, and let us know how you get on!

Cheers

Tom
343 GL Touring B14.1E CVT (155) 98000kms 1980 (sold)
343 L Junior B14.3E MT4 (155) 229000kms 1981 (scrapped)
343 DLS B19A MT4 (155) 167900kms 1982
360 GL Injection B200F MT5 (231) 348598kms 1988 (scrapped)
360 GLT B200F MT5 (302) 230000kms 1988

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