Distributer problem

[roedmose]

I took the coupe for the first ride this season, but noticed a lack of power. Safe home again, I checked the points but noticed that the cam could move half the way without any feeling of the springs in the advancing mechanism. Took the distributer out and found that the pin securing the pinion to the distributer axle at the oilpump-side had broken into 4 pieces, thus giving a lot of slack. One fourth was missing and are probably in the oil-pan, where it will rest in peace !
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If the rest of the pin had disappeared (fell out by itself when I lifted it out), I would have had to walk home, so it might be a good idea for V8-owners to check that cutter-pin at the next service !
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Next thing that surprised me, was that the 2 springs in the advance mechanism have different tension,meaning that one of them will only be in action halfway along the advancing 'travel'. Is this as it should be or are the spring defect
(I know I will replace the springs but it will take some time to find replacement over here in DK.)
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I have a spare engine from a very late P6 standing, but looking in the distributer, I found that it was electronically. It is stamped Lucas and looks original. Was the last P6's using electronically ignition ?? It has an outside condenser and 2 wires out: a red one that I suppose will be for plus and a white/black that I suppose will go directly to the coil. Instead of rebuilding my 'original' distributer with new points, springs etc, I consider putting it back with new cutter pin but old springs and points etc, verify that it will run, and then install the electronically distributer from the P6. I will then put the 'original' distributer in the back as spare in case the electronics fails......
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Anybody have any experience with a P6 electronically distributer; good or bad ??


Thanks Frank, Denmark

[Deleted]

If it is the same as the SD1 dissy with ceramic disc with metal pins thay are not very good ,if it has a metal star instead of the cam and an amplifier with two conections its the way to go.

[Deleted]

When changing distributors to other models, check that you have oil pressure. There are some models that dont connect with the pump in the same way, but can still run. This can also happen when changing to a later front cover with the longer pump.

[Deleted]

Humphrey is correct but this can sorted by changing the dissy drive gear with the oil pump drive

[roedmose]

Yes, the dizzy I have is with a white ceramic disc. I had noticed that the drive for the oilpump is different but if that type of dizzy is un-reliable, I will rebuild the old one and install it again !

Thanks
Frank, DK

[10mpg]

The Ceramic disc type of Dizzy (lucas opus) is the worst of the worst, throw it in the bin and never look back this was not fitted to P6's at all I don't think it was introduced with the SD1, The other type of Lucas electronic (35dm8/35dlm8) is better but still severely compromised being afflicted with a very weak spark output as standard, the single points sytem is 'fairly' reliable but again a poor performer on spark power and accuracy, the only way to solve the problems once and for all easilly and reliativley cheaply is to fit a Mallory duel point or even better a Mallory unilite electronic unit complete with matching coil.
Both will give MUCH better starting improved economy and smoother running, plus the points in the duel point last for about 3 times longer than the Lucas jobbies and the Unilte is a fit and forget system.

The advance springs are usually (but not always) different rates depending entirely on application as this allows for a roughly progressive ignition advance, because one spring stretches first to advance the ignition slightly at a relativly low RPM then the other starts stretching as the rpm and therefore centrepetal force increases bringing the system out to full mechanical advance.. If you are rebuilding a dizzy replace them as a matter of course.