Distributer wear on 1968 1098cc minor

Post by **davidwarren** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:56 pm

Hi, When I wiggle the rotor arm in my distributer it seems to have alot of play. Is this normal, or should no play be found?
Kind Regards

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:30 pm

If the rotor arm is loose on the spindle - then yes you need a new rotor arm. However - the spindle itself is free to rotate and is contrained by two little springs attached to two bob-weights down under the fixed plate with the contacts and condenser. This is the mechanical advance mech - and so you should be able to twist the rotor arm forwards (anticlockwise) and it should spring back! If it's not springing back then either the bob weights are seized or the springs have broken or become disconnected. A wee spot of 3 in 1 oil down the centre of the spindle helps from time to time.

Post by **wanderinstar** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 9:47 pm

I have a 1969 1098 and the distributor was worn badly. It affected the advance mechanism.
I could never stop it pinking, no matter where I set it. Bought a new dizzy and it is absolutely amazing how it has transformed the car. Starts first time pulls all the way through the rev range. No more pinking.

We all rebuild engines, renew this, renew that. But how many times do we renew the dizzy?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:43 pm

Aye - but it wasn't just any old new dizzy !!

Post by **davidwarren** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:44 am

when I get back home this weekend, I'll take a look

Post by **wanderinstar** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:25 pm

True Roy. It is a rather special one. But I imagine a new standard dizzy will give very good results.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:58 pm

Glad to hear your's is ok now Ian - but I still think a 123 would have been better! Did Aldon give you any advance curve information with that yellow dizzy ?

Post by **wanderinstar** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:56 pm

For one thing I couldn't afford the extra cash. Still have to save up for a decent exhaust.
I thought you were against electronic ignition?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 9:55 am

In general -yes - but this 123 seems to give great results because it can be tuned in to suit 16 different set-ups! Would be interested in seeing Aldon's advance curve - or do they keep it 'secret' ?
Edit - And does your ALDON dizzy now contain electronic ignition - or is it still points ?