distributor and erratic performance
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Dhbangham
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Sat Sep 21, 2013 7:47 am
- Your interest in the forum: Jowett long four owner. Jowett club member. (Former Armstrong Siddeley 20hp 1932 owner and ASOC member and former Lancia Belna 1935 saloon) Lanica owners club member. Interested in driving my cars especially in europe and making and repairing parts for the cars. I consider myself an oily rag owner.
- Given Name: Daniel
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distributor and erratic performance
I was talking to Rob Abineri about his 34 saloon having a cantering effect when driving and it reminded me that my engine improved significantly after a distributor re-build by the distributor man in cornwall. In my opinion, the significant improvement was achieved by there being no wear in the main spindle/bearing. If there is wear on that bearing, then the cam can shuttle from side to side so, changing the point timing significantly. Rob has since reported that since changing his distributor to one with no wear, his engine is now much smoother. This may be old news to many, but useful to check for us newbys.
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BarryCambs
- Posts: 331
- Joined: Fri Nov 25, 2011 2:49 pm
- Your interest in the forum: Owner of a long two in Cambridge
- Given Name: Barry
Re: distributor and erratic performance
You are right to say the worn spindle bearings can have a detrimental effect on things. I always like to check the timing with a strobe light and you will often see what's known as "scatter timing" where the timing marks appear to dance around at random. I had mine rebuilt by the Distributor Doctor. Strangely, it was about the only distributor I've ever seen that didn't have worn bushes, but someone had modified the fly weights with a hacksaw and generally butchered it, so I thought a recalibration might be in order!