Distributor Replacement Advice

[Donald Ross]

I have been hearing a strange noise for some time when my 1098cc 1970 Morris Minor is up to temperature. Today I have discovered the distributor Spindle bearings have failed and I can feel play in the rotor arm shaft.

So I need to replace the distributor.

I have never done this and some advice would be very helpful.
Please note I would like to replace it with the same points system rather than a electronic one unless the electronic one is easier to fit. All advice welcome.
I have a few questions that I could do with answering first:

1. I have the 1098cc engine 1970 so would it be the 25D or 45D distributor I should be getting. (I think the original is the DM2 but not sure).
2. Is it possible to replace the distributor and keep the engine timing.
3. If i do need to reset timing i do have a strobe light but i cant figure out how i would be able to see the mark on the crank pully with it.

Any advice welcome and much appreciated.
Note: I have also posted this in general discussion to cover as wide a audience as i can.
Thanks
Donald Ross

[Donald Ross]

Here are some photos:
I have also just posted a video on youtube showing the issue. Here is link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyU4Niw ... e=youtu.be

[philthehill]

Having looked at your video I would just remove the rotor arm and put some thin oil down the centre.

The part that the rotor arm fits onto is loose so as to rotate/advance/retard on the distributer main shaft so there will always be some play there.

I would also squirt some oil down underneath the plate that the contacts are secured to so as to get some oil to the plain bearings which support the distributer main shaft. A lack of oil to the shaft can make the shaft/bearing squeak and eventually seize.

If you do have wear - the timing can be adjusted to bring the timing back into line with the factory settings without little difficulty especially if you have a timing light.

Set the static timing from below, put a dab of white paint on the pulley from above, same on the timing cover adjacent to the mark on the pulley and then you will be able to set the timing from above with the engine running without having to crawl underneath.

The correct distributer for the 1098cc engine is a type 25D4 which you appear to have. There are minor differences in the advance profiles of the 25D4 dependent on for example - whether the engine is high or low compression but I would suggest that the distributer you have is the right one.

[Donald Ross]

hello philthehill
Thankyou for your reply.

That is great advice I will try putting some 3 in 1 type oil in the areas as you suggest.

Currently the timing is fine the only odd thing I get is when the car is up to temperature and I am doing about 30mph it make a strange noise.
Im now sure this is the distributor making the noise.

Its hard to explain its not a metal to metal sound its more like a rubbing sort of dou dou dou dou dou sound.
It must be the play in the shaft but I would rather not replace the distributor if I don't have to and I don't mind the noise as its only when doing 30mph when heated up and its not to loud.
I think some oil will help.

Thanks again for the advice
Donald

[Donald Ross]

Here is the link to a video I have made of my engine running. It sounds like its running fine to me now. What do you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So-gTJA67T4

If you skip to 5:59 you will hear the engine idle when it is up to temperature.

Please note this is filmed in a garage so sounds louder than it actually is.

Thanks again
Donald