Distributors

[David Morris]

Hi All,

I realise that there is currently a thread discussing Javelin distributors, but I have a more general question. Faced with a very worn distributor and, at that time ( about 10 years ago) I had access to some data on Lucas distributors, but not much cash ( no change there then! ). So I searched the internet for a more reasonable alternative solution.

Since then there has been a house move, and I cannot now lay my hands on the distributor data. My solution to the problem at that time was to find a new distributor that had a similar curve profile to the Javelin's, but at a much reduced cost. I settled on a distributor for a MGB 1800 from 1962.

These were available from Accuspark as the 25D version at £39.99, brand new with free postage. The electronic version ( 45D ) was £64.95 from the same company. I note that they are both still available at the same price, with free postage. They both have the 'top-entry' for the cables, although I think you can request the side entry cap, if that's what you prefer.

I ordered the 25D version with points and found it was a direct, drop-in,'replacement and it has performed faultlessly since installation. We have since done a few engine rebuilds and used the same version of distributor, with what appear to be excellent results. At the plugs, which are always NGK's, I use motorcycle waterproof connectors and a disc of flexible rubber threaded through the cable to shroud the plug holes. Also, we use solid copper core cable, rather than the ones with conductive rope.

My question is whether we are doing anything damaging to our engines by fitting these distributors? If not, we are having the satisfaction of a new component, no slop in the points and good repeatable performance. There is also the advantage of a new advance vacuum diaphragm, new weights and springs, not ones that are 65 years old. The one point we have found to watch is to always use a red rotor arm from a reliable supplier. Some rotor arms, especially the black ones, don't last long and will give trouble.

I would welcome any advice?

All the best and stay safe,

David

[Keith Clements]

I too used Accuspark for many years having had 5 versions including the mappable version discussed on JT in a few topics. Search Accuspark!
I think the Distributor Doctor one gives better starting, smoother running and the curve has been honed to satisfy modern petrol.
I have recommended the Accuspark electronic version but always keep a points version in the boot ready to slot in.

[Alf Heseltine]

Had a problem with the Accuspark distributor rotor arm starting to break up. They replaced the rotor arm.
Also had the condenser fail. Started intermittent, would clear for a time then fail again. Investigation showed
the condenser, of poor construction, with very poor internal contact method of the condenser, see pics.
Steve Mass of Long Beach USA did the same investigation & concludes the same, failure of this component seems
inevitable. Steve has covered this problem in detail & offers some alternatives, I am using an early lucas rotor arm
as replacement. http://www.nonlintec.com/sprite/cap_failure/

Taken from my earlier post on this subject.
Rotor arm & condenser ok since replacement, I fitted a Lucas early condenser & have had no problems.
Regards
Alf.

[Keith Clements]

The problem is that the Accuspark, like many classic components these days, are made in China whereas the DD refurb uses Lucas components, whether you consider that a benefit depends on your point of view. Replacing capacitors with Japanese ones and rotor arms from DD can easily be done. How quickly the new distributors will wear and thus go out of spec is another matter. Very few people oil them regularly.
The bearing, cam and cam follower wear will cause inconsistent spark. The points spring, advance base, vacuum mechanism, weights, springs and stop wear will cause changes in the advance curve and dwell. These changes can happen quickly, particularly on poor quality points.
I found on long rallies that it can happen in under 1000 miles, so a couple of days in some cases!
Optical points and electronic mapping should be more consistent as they get rid of most of the mechanical bits, but they can suffer from catastrophic failure due to the noisy electrical environment. Hence the mechanical spare that just drops in, already marked up with timing marks.
The DD ones fitted to our three Jowetts have not needed adjustment even on the 1500 mile trip to Switzerland.
https://jowett.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=24354#p24354 arms
https://jowett.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15436#p15436 curves

[David Morris]

Hi All,

Thanks Keith for finding my original (2013) comments on the replacement Accuspark distributor from the MGB. That all seems a long time ago!

In summary, it seems that a reasonably affordable solution seems to be a new points-type distributor, well oiled and fitted with the best quality components, such as the points, rotor arm and capacitor, the last perhaps from the Porsche, as recommended in the interesting article from Steve Mass.

I have also tried the electronic versions but experienced roadside failures, probably due to the very 'rough' electronic environment on our dynamo equipped vehicles? Faced with a 'dead' electronic system on the road, it is difficult to fault-find, compared with the points version, where you can actually see what is happening and do a quick substitution of the points and capacitor.

All the best,

David

[Barry20383]

Have now sent my Dizzy for re con and asked for the points to be retained. The Dizzy doctor informed he can fit electronic conversion but as this has caused some problems have remained with points.