Just fitted electronic distributor

[bmcecosse]

Revs drop is fine - it's doing what it should. It won't be the exhaust - but a dirty filter is always bad news. Comp test is the next step.

[James k]

I'll have a look at the air filter when I get back. I can't picture a dirty air filter noticeably affecting power, although I could be wrong. I'll get hold of a compression tester when I get back and do a test. I only set the valve clearances a couple of months ago. Could they have changed?

[taupe]

I can't picture a dirty air filter noticeably affecting power

I can assure you it does.. my mini with a slightly blowing exhaust gradually lost all power over a period of about a week..in the end it wouldnt go over about 20mph. The last thing I checked was the air filter! It didnt look too bad but when you looked close up was completely blocked. New filter and car transformed.

Taupe

[liammonty]

It sounds possible that the advance curve on the new distributor just isn't right. If you refit the old one and the problem goes, then there's your answer

[bmcecosse]

I doubt it - there have been many different advance curves over the life of the various Minor engines -and others have reported good success with these new 45D dizzies. It's hardly a critical thing with a standard engine - sure the curve can/should be optimised when the engines are modified. But I doubt it's an issue here. It is always possible this dizzy has a problem - I asked if the rotor springs back when twisted, but no news on that yet....

[James k]

I'll check the air filter when I get back. I'm now hoping that it's really blocked! I'll also do the compression test. Roy, I checked the rotor arm and it springs back as it should, sorry I forgot to write that. Is it at all possible that I've somehow damaged the engine whilst trying to start it when the timing was 180 degrees out?

[bmcecosse]

No - not at all - don't worry.