Lucas distributor info

[Mick_Anik]

Thanks, bmcecosse, I 'd never come across that one. Usually to do with changing the ignition adjustments, additives, lead 'memory' etc.

I know it's the exhaust valves that suffer if you use unleaded on a standard engine. I'm trying to think how the wider opening would save them - quicker exit of the combusted material? Not so hot?
I'll search the forum now...probably something around.

[MarkyB]

Because the valve spends a little more time in its seat more heat can be transferred from it to the head.
That's my understanding anyway.

[Mick_Anik]

Sounds logical regarding saving the valve - but what about side effects? Fuel consumption? Power?
An interesting subject. I really like bmcecosse's solution - don't worry, be happy!

[bmcecosse]

It simply make sure the valve gap is maintained even when the valve gets really hot - and expands more than the surrounding head - ie it gets longer - and may close up the gap! It also allows a little 'lee-way' if there is a little recession - before the gap disappears completely. There really is nothing to worry about - heads are very cheap - and the car will run for years on unleaded fuel without additives - UNLESS - you regularly hammer it long and hard on Motorways etc ??

[Mick_Anik]

Thanks again, bmcecosse. I've decided to go with you on all matters Minor, as I peruse the forum.

Any chance of finding out the thinking behind your 'handle'? I know 'Ecosse' is French for 'Scotland', mon copain.

[bmcecosse]

Just a name - indicates long term affinity for BMC products - and Scottish. Same idea as Ecurie Ecosse! Just not as famous - yet!!
Follow ALL the opinions on here - it's a Forum - a place for discussion - and everyone has their own opinions and it's best to pay heed to them all and form your own idea of what suits your particular problem or circumstance best!
You'll find my advice is generally for a low cost/simple DIY option where possible - but that may not suit everyone !

[Mick_Anik]

Cheap, simple and DIY if possible - that's my style. The thing I've found with the Minor over the years if that if everything's okay, just leave it alone....wait for the little warning symptoms. But if you do a scrupulous job when you do have to do something, like thorough cleaning and meticulous assembly, it will be ages, usually years in my experience, before you have to do it again. Barring the usual routine servicing, of course.
I assemble the suspension rubber bushes, the pins that go through them and the place they sit with a coating of Waxoyl, rather than dry. I haven't spent much during my Morris career on bushes and pins.....just keep putting the same ones back in, time after time! I take them all out twice a year though, to clean everything up whilst I'm going round the car.
That's my Minor philosophy really....if you take a Morris to pieces at least once a year (maybe not all at the same time!) and clean things up, the parts tend to just keep going.

[mike.perry]

Very interesting subject. Now I can check if I have the correct dizzies on my cars and whether it is of any benefit in modifying them. First improvement though would be a side valve engine rebuild.

[bmcecosse]

Nah -convert it to OHV!