Dirty Distributor

[Paulfc]

Out in the glorious weather earlier when slowly the car started to become unresponsive. Nursed it home and after a few minutes diagnosing found the rotor had, basically, fallen apart. Read many items about poorly manufactured arms so I guess this is another. Having said that it may have been on the car for eleven or so years. 
 

Before I replace it I’d appreciate any advice on how best to clean up the resultant mess to the dizzy proper.

Thanks in advance,

Paul

 

 

[Chris A]

Oooooo! Not nice, surprised it ran at all

[Pete Lewis]

just remove the base plate and strip off the parts clean with petrol or brake cleaner

fit new points and a red rotor arm

always add a squirt of engine oil down below the baseplate to keep the top spindle bush lubricated 

if there is a worn spindle the points gap will vary as it rotates  ,you can rebush lucas units  if its stuff 

a firm side push will show if its got wear play 

 

Pete

[Paulfc]

Thanks, Pete, much appreciated.

I’ll let you know how I get on.

[Paulfc]

Hi Pete,

Is there a technique to be used to remove the base plate? I’ve disconnected everything but something is retaining the plate. As I try and lift it it feels as though there is a “spring” holding it. As ever, any advice greatly appreciated.

[Jeffds1360]

My memory tells me it is like a bayonet fitting but just one pin, if you rotate? Clockwise? With a pull upwards, you will feel the pin into the slot and up she pops.

Hope that helps.

[Paulfc]

Jeff,

Thanks, that was it but with a spring clip opposite the bayonet that needed helping over the edge of the lower base plate.

Much appreciated.

[Jeffds1360]

Pleased you got it off.

Last time I did it, I bent that spring plate!

Not realising it was so low, when I replaced it all, the spring plate chewed the advance springs 

Had to by a 45 complete (30 quid) as there are no advance springs available, unless you know the size for the 25.

pity, the 25 is much more solid.

 

[Pete Lewis]

do make sure all the base plate screws are removed as one of them stops the rotation to disengage the pin from the keyhole slot

Pete

[Paulfc]

Thanks everyone. All done, nice and clean now with new points, rotor arm and dizzy cap and, with points set, runs like a dream.