Morris Minor Owners Club

I want to remove the distributor without disturbing the timing. How do you get to the clamp plate bolt at the back of it? The front one is awkward enough. Any suggestions?

I thought that by simply removing the clamp, you'd disturb the timing. Probably wrong though - I'm a numpty with engines...
a

(a) it can't be done, you will always lose the timing when removing the distributor.
(b) small spanner and nimble fingers

take teh bolts from the block and leave the clamp or pinch bolts alone, it will then go back in the same position

Yep - as above - just keep the clamp tight and remove the two bolts - it IS possible. Then when you replace the dizzy it will still be able to swing in the little slots on the clamp plate - but it won't be far away.

(a) it can't be done, you will always lose the timing when removing the distributor.
(b) small spanner and nimble fingers

(a) It can be done, as bmc says. Don't touch the clamp bolt, and make a mark on the block and clamp plate so you can re-align the plate within the free play movement when it goes back.

(b) Strong nimble fingers. The back bolt is a tricky one to get at, but you can just get it started with a stubby spanner, then fiddle it out / back in with your fingers. I found taking the oil pressure switch / sender out helped give me slightly better access.

I've just swapped out an old distibutor for a reconditioned one, including swapping the clamp plate over once the distributor was out of the car, (using the same scratch mark approach to line up the clamp with a moulding line on the distibutor body) and the timing was within a few degrees after it all went back together.

Good enough to start and run until I could get the timing light on it and finish the job.

Why struggle - whip the dist cap off turn the engine till the points are just opening. Then undo the pinch bolt take it out and when the time comes pop it back in and turn it so that the points are just opening again and bobs your uncle job done.

I agree - don't be frightened to loosen the clamp - it's easy to get the timing back - much easier than struggling with the little bolt!

Thanks guy's I'll give it a bash tonight.

Good enough to start and run until I could get the timing light on it and finish the job.

Which is why it can't be done exactly, it will always be a little out, but certainly more than good enough to run.

Why struggle - whip the dist cap off turn the engine till the points are just opening. Then undo the pinch bolt take it out and when the time comes pop it back in and turn it so that the points are just opening again and bobs your uncle job done.

Brilliant. Obvious. Why on earth didn't I think of that years ago? I never claim to be perfect and am always pleased to learn a new trick. Well done Roger. Just set the points gap before installing the distributor.