4 replies to this topic

[Hagar]

Ok, I've double checked for the fourth time...
Ok, so...
the timing dots on the camwheels line up
the notch in crank pulley lines up with TDC - big pointer on front cover
both valves on #4 closed
Valves on #1 rocking

therefore cyl No.4 is at TDC on compression (this is on a Morris Minor 948cc - trust me - No 4 is definitely at TDC - so rotor should point to No 4 contact on the dist cap)

...and I insert the dist drive with the slot vertical and the small offset forward (I think that means the smaller 'half' of the circumference of the drive gear head to the front of the block) As per the manuals.

the distributor winds up facing square on cyl 3 contact.

Looking at the distributor's offset drive, the stated 11 o'clock position, which is where it finishes when you insert it, 11 o'clock can't possibly be cyls 1 or 4 - is the manual wrong?

If it is - do I change the distributor drive angle?

[cowboy]

all you have to do is to turn the distributor body round so that the leads are on no 4 or, if its allready pointing to a contact, then take that as no 4 lead and fit them in order.

[Jammy]

The way i found easiest was this..

Look up the advance setting for your car (take 4 degrees BTDC for example)

That corresponds to the second notch on the marks above the crank pulley.

Turn the engine over by hand (may find this easier to do with the plugs out) so that number 1 piston is at TDC.

The notch on the crank pulley should be at the first timing mark.

Keep turning the engine round til the notch on the crank pulley is at the correct timing mark, so the second one for my 4 degrees.

Now turn the dizzy so that number 1 HT lead is roughly in the 2 o'clock position.

Take the dizzy cap off, and begin to turn the dizzy clockwise slowly. When the contacts are *just* beginning to open, stop and bolt up the clamp.

Job done.

[Guess-Works.com]

PS.... It's better to time on No1 piston which is the one next to the Water pump.

When correct installation is achieved the rotor arm should be pointing to the 1 or 2 oclock position, and then the leads will 1 3 4 2 anticlockwise from there...

Dont forget also that the dizzy drive is a helical worm gear on the end, as you install it, it will turn (anticlockwise) so the gears mesh with each other, you need to accomodate for that turn when putting it in.

[Hagar]

Happydance!!!!! - the good ol' Scientific Publications (Australian) Manual had it right!

Working on Cyl No. 4 @ TDC on compression stroke, insert the distributor drive gear with the slot HORIZONTAL and the small offset uppermost. Rotor aims straight at no 4 contact!!!

No mucking about with lead positions required! :grin: