Mystery distributor on 1275 engine.

[rcbowman]

My car has a 1275 engine with a distributor I can't identify. I was told to look for the identification code on the distributor, 45D or 59D. There is no such code (or any other) that I can find. When I look at pages that show distributor caps, the 45D/59D cap (I gather it's the same one) looks right, but when I ordered one, it didn't fit.

More details: The rotor arm is the only item with an identifying mark: Lucas 54433803. This ought to help if there's anyone out there with the right Lucas parts books... In appearance, the rotor arm precisely matches the "turbo" model over on the right on this page: http://www.minimania.com/ArticleV.cfm?DisplayID=1640, except that it's not blue, but black. The distributor cap itself is reddish brown.

My cap should have been replaced ages ago, but after two rounds of failed attempts to find it, I gave up. Now the problem has become more pressing.

The only other possibility I can think of is that it is a 59D, but that whoever I ordered the cap from (I order parts from different places, and I no longer recall) actually somehow sent me the wrong one 'way back when, and has precipitated this confusion.

Anyone have any idea what I'm looking at here? Thanks in advance!

[Alec]

Hello Rcbowman,

if it is a Lucas distributor there will be a number stamped on the distributor body, but you will need to remove it from the engine to read it in all probability.
The type, e.g 45D doesn't tell you very much, although it should be enough to get the correct cap. That number is just the model, the five 0r six digit number on the body identifies the set up of the advance curve etc.
I note that you are in the US, there is a recommended Lucas distributor specialist, try looking at:- http://www.britishcarforum.com then search for Lucas Distributor or else just ask on the Forum as there are many references to this specialist.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

It could be a Duccelier dizzy - someone else on here just recently had one although I was not aware they could be fitted. Is the dizzy held into the block by one bolt and a Y bracket - or by two bolts through a clamping plate? Does the new cap not fit at all - or is it maybe just needing a little fettling at the tongue which engages on the lip to ensure correct orientation ?

[Kevin]

There is no such code (or any other) that I can find

If you dont want to take the dizzy out clean up the metal body and you should find a slightly raised smooth section and the numbers will be on there but you may need a small mirror to see them if its on the engine block side.