Rotor arm position

[Oldmogman]

Hi everyone

I'm checking the static timing on my 1275 Morris after refitting the dizzy and noticed that when No.1 cylinder is at TDC (both valves on number one closed, number eight's rocking, piston at the top), the rotor arm is pointing to eight o'clock towards the starter motor) rather than two o'clock (at No. 1 plug) as I expected.

Now, while I realise that it shouldn't matter what position the rotor arm is in providing it is pointing to the No.1 pluglead, it just seems odd.

I didn't notice its position when removing the dizzy, and since I'm also fitting new leads, I don't have any reference point from looking at the dizzy cap.

I think I'm right in saying the locating dog on the dizzy, shaft is offset so the shaft will only fit in one position so I don't think it could be 180-degrees out.

Any thoughts?

[simmitc]

The drive shaft can be in multiple positions, depending on where the helical gears engage as it is fitted. The distributor does indeed engage with the drive shaft in only one position. As long as the arm is pointing to the No 1 lead, I wouldn't worry.

[mike.perry]

The distributor may have been stripped and re assembled 180 deg out