Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Folks,

I need some help with a distributor problem.
I've replaced my engine with a 1275 A+ Ital engine with Lucas 45D4 distributor.
I'm setting up the static timing at the moment. The feed into the distributor is live (tested with a "test bulb") but there is no power at the terminal inside the distributor when the distributor is slotted into the engine.
If I take the distributor out of the engine then the terminal is live again.
Am I missing something simple??

many thanks,

Tom

Hello Tom,

I suspect that the points are closed, if you open them then your 12v should appear again? That is how it works, with the points breaking the circuit to the coil primary as the engine rotates.

Alec

I've rotated the distributor with the clamp loosened so that the points are open and closed and the test bulb remains off throughout.

If the sequence of leads and insulators at the points is wrong, the distributor terminal will be permanently earthed through the distributor body. With the distributor off the engine, it's no longer earthed. So, connect it up and check the voltage with the distributor in your hand, then touch the distributor on the engine. If the voltage immediately drops, there's (probably) your answer. Then check the assembly of the points and the flexible flying lead.

Be careful as you lift the distributor off the engine if it's still powered up: you'll generate an HT pulse as you break the circuit.

Kevin

With points you have to be very careful that the 2 plastic washers on the points keep the two wires in contact with the points springy bit but insulate them all from the post where the nut screws on.