5 replies to this topic

[mosh_dude86]

Been writing up a list of stuff i need to get the mini running tip top/ready for its MOT, and i've come across a brain twister, for two reasons.

With the points, there seems to be two types, Red ones for a 45D Dizzy, and Blue ones for a 59D Dizzy. Is there a difference in the points even though the cap and rotor arm are the same? If so what? The reason being if there is, we have the wrong ones in my mates '88 mini

Now, where on my dizzy will it tell me what type i have? It's an '81 my mini, which is a bugger because i'm never sure which parts to get. Also will that tell me if i need a balast resistor coil or not, Cheers!!

Edited by mosh_dude86, 11 March 2010 - 11:46 PM.

[Dan]

Yes there is a difference, that's why they have different descriptions! The blue heel type are a sliding contact setup. The heel has a basic cam and crank system built in. As the baseplate turns, the slotted crank is kept stationary which turns the cam and slides the conact set upwards. There is a fitting on the baseplate to make this work and that's the actual difference between the dizzy bodies. The point of it is to try to extend the useful life of the points by making them discharge in a different position each time, preventing them from building up pits and so wearing out. How much of a problem it is to have the wrong type fitted I can't say though, I suppose the crank could lock up the baseplate and stop the dizzy working.

An '81 Mini should have non-ballasted ignition. What colour wires supply the coil?

Why is it tricky to select parts for an '81 Mini? It's not a specific change point for anything major.

[mosh_dude86]

well my mates '88 has a red contact set in when i think it should be blue. Thats why i want to know how to i.d. the dizzy so i can get his right and male sure mine is as well

[2009poolesparky]

your mates car might have had an engine change sometime in the past, and it might be an older engine than in yours.

to determine what type of distributor you have it will have a number stamped on the metal side it (5 digits i think)

you can then refer this to your haynes manual which will tell you what type of distributor is fitted.

alex

[Big_Adam]

Could just scrape the s**t off the dizzy body and read the number off it.

[mosh_dude86]

your mates car might have had an engine change sometime in the past, and it might be an older engine than in yours.

to determine what type of distributor you have it will have a number stamped on the metal side it (5 digits i think)

you can then refer this to your haynes manual which will tell you what type of distributor is fitted.

alex

Duh, of course why didn't i think of that...... cheers!!!

@ Big-adam, that might take weeks, this engine has NEVER had a clean and when i got it home and changed the oil filter realised it had been leaking. I've got ALOT of cleaning to do...and the gear selector rod seal to change i think...joy