My bl**dy Di is cutting out!

[Boycie]

Hi guys,

As title really, my Di has been cutting out for no reason as of late. I can feel it hesitate, then suddenly it will die, then almost straight away pick up again.

It's almost like it's running out of fuel (it's not...) but I'm sure it's an electrical problem as when it does it, the headlamps go out at the same time.

It only appears to happen when I've been driving an hour or so.
It's getting a bit dangerous now, I drive country lanes most of the time and they're pitch black!

Strangely, not only will it do it randomly when driving along, it'll also sometimes do it when I press the brake pedal (and the brake lights come on).

I've checked -
All earths I can see (including the back lights)
Wobbled all wiring in the engine bay with it running
cleaned and checked the stop solenoid wire
removed and cleaned the battery terminals
checked the fuse box...

At first I thought it would be something like the main feed from the battery as it seems to suffer electrical surge... but every time, my CD player stays on.

Any idea's crew?! It's getting a bit risky taking it out now!!

[Boycie]

ps.. sorry about the long post..

but also, after checking everything, I've noticed that the big black plug from the ignition switch to the loom gets very hot when running.

[jay]

check that ign switch first..also check the earth wire on the engine block.as well as the small earth from the battery to the body.also check the main + battery wire.

[Boycie]

Thanks for the reply, Jay. I think I will just change the ign. switch, it looks pretty untouched/original.

The only engine earth I can see is a tiny one on the small loom that goes to the side of the block, and a big-ass one coming from the starter area.
Both are fine.
Battery main cable looks good too!!

[madmark]

another thing you could try is the main loom plug joint give that a check, its deffo electrical what is happening is ie when you touch the brake lights it as if you are turning the key off!

[Luke]

also check the wiring loom hasnt come loose and is fouling on the brake pedal mechanism!!

[bortaf]

I've had this before with the plug for the ignition switch, pull it appart and check for melting inside.
The heat is from the arcing going on in the plug, i allways cut em out and put a conector block in

[Boycie]

I've had this before with the plug for the ignition switch, pull it apart and check for melting inside.
The heat is from the arcing going on in the plug, i always cut em out and put a connector block in

I think you're right bortaF/Jay!!
I bought another switch and section of loom to plug it into and fitted it. It's now not getting hot... no cutting out as of yet too!! (fingers crossed)
Old plug was well and truely melted..

Must say tho... shocked at how easy it would be to 'hotwire' !!

Thanks for everyone's replies!!!!