Ignition lead position conundrum ?

[Joeck]

I am in the final stages of my engine rebuild and have been trial fitting items while I have the opportunity to have a clear view prior to installation.

I have followed the workshop manual for fitting the distributer drive gear, ie number 4 at TDC, install with the slot vertical small segment forward and the drive slot turns anti clock to approx 11 o,clock although to me seems more towards the 10 o,clock position when fully home.

I then fitted my spare distributer as per the manual ie number one at 3 degrees before TDC with valves on number 4 rocking and then turning the distributer clockwise until the points are just about to open. The vacuum advance is just before the vertical.

My problem is, that in comparison to the running engine in my car, the ignition leads are in different positions and the distributer is in a roughly similar position ie, engine in car number 1 lead is in the “ ten past” position but newly built engine, number 1 is in the “twenty past” position when viewed from the top of distributer cap.

Had I got something wrong ?

Are different distributers aligned differently ?

Is the distributer drive in the running car incorrectly fitted ?

I have racked my brain but can’t think of an explanation and don’t want to fit the engine and find I have problems later.

Hope somebody can help.
Regards.
Joe.

[Bill_qaz]

If firing order and timing are correct it makes no difference which position number one is at.

[svenedin]

Which engine is this? I fitted the distributor drive spindle recently on a 1098cc. I am travelling just now but when I’m home I’ll post a link to the thread. As far as I remember, the workshop instructions are different for earlier engines and 1098.

Stephen

[Joeck]

Thanks for your replies.
The engine is a 1098 and is an 8G serial number which I think is a Gold seal reference.
The only thing that is different to the original engine is the timing chain and sprockets but I am sure that this is aligned correctly ie: crank key way at 12 o,clock and cam key way at around the 1 o,clock position with the dots aligning. The cam sprocket that was previously fitted was a drilled/ lightened type so not sure if that might perhaps have some significance? I will offer up the old to new sprockets and see if there is any difference.
Hopefully Stephen’s link may give some reassurance.
Regards.
Joe.

[Bill_qaz]

Don't forget when timing marks are aligned on front gears the engine is actually firing on number 4. It then needs rotating 360 to firing on number 1 for distributor timing.

[panky]

Could it be the distributor drive put back in a tooth out?

[svenedin]

The instructions for installing the distributor drive spindle on a 1098 engine are at section A.A.A.4 in the workshop manual. This is installed with the engine at TDC on number ONE piston not number four as with earlier A-series. Instructions for earlier engine are at section A.A.28

Stephen

[Joeck]

Thanks Stephen.
I will have a look tomorrow and see how I go.

[Joeck]

All sorted thanks to the valuable information from the members of this forum.
A couple of lessons for myself:
1. Always read the correct instructions for the correct engine in the manual.
2. When a job just will not make sense, stop and give your brain a break, the answer is usually something quite straightforward.
Thanks again.
Joe.