yorkshire_spam Posted October 11, 2023 Share Posted October 11, 2023 My Powerspark Simon BBC ignition unit failed on the RBRR about 1 month after purchase. As it was purchased through eBay I tried to request a return, which has been declined. In addition to the unit failing prematurely the magnetic ring was so poorly made that I had to use the old one from a previous unit to get it working. I've contacted the supplier to ask why the declined my return and request a refund, I'll see what they say. In the mean time it's important that you all know that a supplier and product I've previously recommended is no longer a "quality item" and that the supplier's customer service is (so far) seriously lacking. Should they rectify the matter in a satisfactory way, I'll obviously post an update/correction. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radders Posted October 11, 2023 Share Posted October 11, 2023 I bought a car with a powerspark distributor last year. I replaced it straightaway as I've been where you are before. Poor quality rubbish parts that don't last long at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted October 11, 2023 Share Posted October 11, 2023 It seems to be so variable! Ive got one on my Vitesse and its been fine - certainly got no complaints on the build quality except for the trigger ring from which the top cap came off when trying to pull the ring off the dizzy cam. The magnets flew out and it was quite a job to get them back in the right way round as yes the sensor is north or south pole sensitive.... I can imagine the subject of warranty claims would be difficult as I believe the units can be damaged by reversing the electrical connection but its impossible to prove whether or not this has been done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorkshire_spam Posted October 11, 2023 Author Share Posted October 11, 2023 33 minutes ago, Radders said: I bought a car with a powerspark distributor last year. I replaced it straightaway as I've been where you are before. The contrast in quality is very stark. I first fitted a powerspark ignition in 2013, that unit lasted the 2014 RBRR, 2015 10CR, 2017 10CR and numerous other events. I only replaced it this year because I physically damaged the wires due to my own stupidity. The new unit - magnetic ring doesn't fit (use the old one is the suppliers advice) and the unit fails in less than a month. Clearly their approach to business has changed fundamentally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted October 11, 2023 Share Posted October 11, 2023 Ive used this guy for just spare sensors including free delivery, made an offer which was accepted so not a lot to lose if they fail... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iani Posted October 11, 2023 Share Posted October 11, 2023 I converted my 2000 Estate from positive to negative earth, this meant changing the powerspark ignition too, the magnetic ring on the - Earth system didn't fit, had to reuse the one from the + Earth kit, very poor quality control. I have a 123+ dizzy to fit once new motor is installed, I don't trust the powerspark kit, too cheap to be much good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorkshire_spam Posted October 11, 2023 Author Share Posted October 11, 2023 Update: I've had an email to say Powerspark have sent a replacement unit out. No response to my ebay claim, no response to my email, just a dispatch notification. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abandonearth Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 I went through a similar to-do with Powerspark as yorkshire_spam recently. Fired up the car once on the electronic ignition. Refused to start again, switched back to points and fired right up. They were insistent on sending out a replacement module, rather than refunding and started quoting outdated consumer rights legislation at me. The emails from them became downright unpleasant and I resorted to obtaining a refund via PayPal. Not what they used to be, unfortunately. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorkshire_spam Posted November 3, 2023 Author Share Posted November 3, 2023 14 minutes ago, abandonearth said: I went through a similar to-do with Powerspark as yorkshire_spam recently. Fired up the car once on the electronic ignition. Refused to start again, switched back to points and fired right up. They were insistent on sending out a replacement module, rather than refunding and started quoting outdated consumer rights legislation at me. The emails from them became downright unpleasant and I resorted to obtaining a refund via PayPal. Not what they used to be, unfortunately. The replacement they sent me is on the shelf - I'll probably never use it. Glad you managed to fight via paypal and get the refund. I've decided to give Accuspark a go - clearly a very similar product but slightly different base plate design, so maybe a different maker? Anyway, I'll see how I get on with it.... it can't be any worse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abandonearth Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 I fitted accuspark to an MGB years ago. Worked well for many years. Best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosbif Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Accuspark fitted to my 13/60 in 2017 no problems. OK, so now I've jinxed 🤐 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Dawes Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 I have an accuspark system on Mabel, I had heard that powrspark were not the best mines been good so far after it’s first year being fitted 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 4, 2023 Share Posted November 4, 2023 Not sure theres much difference between the Powerspark and Accuspark units (and those from other suppliers) as they look very similar except maybe the plastic case colour🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorkshire_spam Posted November 4, 2023 Author Share Posted November 4, 2023 28 minutes ago, glang said: Not sure theres much difference between the Powerspark and Accuspark units (and those from other suppliers) as they look very similar except maybe the plastic case colour🤔 For the unit I have the base plate is very different and the magnetic ring is of a much better quality/fit on the accuspark vs the new powerspark. As I've said, my original powerspark worked and lasted superbly - the new ones are clearly much lower quality - the last powerspark I had, the magnetic ring was loose on the dizzy spindle and their solution was "use your old one" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted November 4, 2023 Share Posted November 4, 2023 What about the actual head unit, the most important, complicated and delicate bit, dont they look very similar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Dawes Posted November 4, 2023 Share Posted November 4, 2023 Mine works fine so as far as I’m concerned that’s all that matters I can only speak from my own experience and it’s been absolutely fine 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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