9 replies to this topic

[lippo]

 I bought a timing strobe in order to get the timing adjusted correctly on my 1275 with modified unleaded cylinder head and BBW (and alternative modded BDL) needle, K&N element, and a 59D distributor with electronic ignition.

 

 My issue is that the strobe reads erratically from the HT lead, idling around 800 but consistently going over 1200 without any change in real engine rpm. It is also fairly difficult to adjust the distributor effectively as the timing mark on the pulley jumps around, with about 4 - 6 degrees of waver. It's so much that I can't accurately set the timing.

 

 The distributor cap looks ok, as does the rotor arm. There is a little play in/out on the distributor shaft, at a guess just under 1mm and there is a little side to side play, not huge but noticeable.

 

 Is the strobe at fault, or do I have another issue? Would a new distributor fix things? I'm happy to pay for a decent one but don't want to do that if the current one is ok. I guess it would need changing/adapting anyway due to the mods? 

 

 

 

[timmy850]

Which timing light did you buy?
Occasionally I’ve noticed my timing light will read two cylinders if the spark plug leads are too close to the timing light pick up
Sometimes the gap between the distributor module and the reluctor wheel is a bit big and this can cause problems, it’s worth checking that

[lippo]

 One of these; https://www.ebay.co....tm/376512289832

 

 Spark plug leads don't seem to be close to each other. Thanks for the info on the reluctor wheel.

[68+86auto]

What type of leads are you using?

 

But yes, these are sensitive to the reluctor gap.

Edited by 68+86auto, 23 June 2026 - 11:04 PM.

[lippo]

 I don't actually know what HT leads I have - I thought I'd changed them when I bought the car but can't find any receipts and the king lead is a different colour.... I do remember checking the resistance and they were ok.

 

 Do you think the play in/out on the shaft and slight play side to side is an issue? I've ordered plastic feeler gauges to check the reluctor gap (when I find out where that actually is).

[sonscar]

Is the clamp marked "this side towards plug"or some such notation?Steve,

[lippo]

 Hi Steve, yes it is, I managed to get it clamped correctly and the strange behaviour regarding the timing light flitting around was there straight away. I will have another go to see if it returns.

[68+86auto]

 I don't actually know what HT leads I have - I thought I'd changed them when I bought the car but can't find any receipts and the king lead is a different colour.... I do remember checking the resistance and they were ok.

 

 Do you think the play in/out on the shaft and slight play side to side is an issue? I've ordered plastic feeler gauges to check the reluctor gap (when I find out where that actually is).

 

The resistance is a poor indication of if the leads are any good. What I was thinking of anyway is if they are solid copper core leads? Those can cause issues.

The up and down play won't be your issue. The side to side play can be depending on how bad it is. I use equipment which identifies this fault when it is running. All you can do is look at the play and decide if you think it is causing your erratic ignition issues.

Do the issues still occur at higher RPMs?

 

 

 

Also I have a very low opinion of these Chinese distributors. They are garbage as far as I'm concerned. Worn out Lucas advance mechanisms work better than any Chinese distributor I've tested.

Edited by 68+86auto, 24 June 2026 - 10:55 PM.

[PoolGuy]

Do you have another car that you can test the timing light on?

[lippo]

Alas not. I might buy another timing gun - seems to be the cheapest thing to start with, bar the plastic feeler gauges for the reluctor air gap.