DK4A 0 Distributor

[Colin Cheesman]

Hi all, just wondering if this distributor is suitable for an Austin 7, got it with a lot of parts purchased some time ago. I am a little worried about the 12 deg advance. Pulled it apart and cleaned everything, all looks in good order. I have new cap and points so thought I would use on my new 32 Roadster, (progress photo attached) If not Austin 7, then what?
           

[Duncan Grimmond]

That bodywork looks rather tidy, is it your own work?

[Colin Cheesman]

No not my work, it was built quite a few years ago at a Trade school in Melbourne, it was left sitting on the ground in a shed missing some roofing, had rust just under doors. otherwise in excellent condition. Body is a copy of ones that were built by Egan Coach builders in Geelong, apparently quite rare. I'm sure Tony P can correct me if this is incorrect.

[Marcus Ling]

That distributor is from a Series 1 Morris 8.

Cheers

Marcus

[John Cornforth]

Hi Colin

You might want to check the direction of rotation. 

I believe that Morris used Clockwise (Lucas define this as looking at the shaft end) which is Anticlockwise when looking down at the rotor arm. 

Austin 7's use Anticlockwise (by the Lucas definition) which is Clockwise when looking down at the rotor arm. 

This will have an effect on the way the advance mechanism is built.

Lucas define advance at the distributor, so that's 12 distributor degrees or 24 crankshaft degrees.

[Chris KC]

Colin, the main thing to check is whether it is a clockwise or anti-clockwise unit.
The A7 is anti-clockwise (n.b. this is defined by Lucas as viewed FROM BELOW); you won't get far with a clockwise unit (unless you find an anti-clock spindle assy for it).

Advance degrees can be reduced by a spot of weld on the action plate and some deft filing (i.e. slightly reduce the size of the hole on the outboard side). It needs of course the unit stripped first and some careful measurement to ensure the right advance results. It is within the capability of anyone with a MIG welder, a file and a DTI (or a protractor at a pinch).

The advance springs may not be ideal, but they are most likely 'tired' anyway and although excruciatingly expensive the 'Distributor Doctor' can supply them.

The other issue you may face is the drive gear & its position on the shaft vertically. With care you can rotate 90 degrees and drill a new locating pin hole through the hole in the drive gear. It should be firmly held against the body while doing so (n.b. with a fibre washer between). If fitting a new gear be careful where you buy it from as several here have had bad experiences. I believe those sold by our A7 specialists are fine.

edit: Beat me to it John! But I agree...

[Andrew Fallon]

Does anyone know the meaning of that Y-symbol in a circle?

[Parazine]

Does anyone know the meaning of that Y-symbol in a circle?

Lucas trademark I believe. Probably signifies "Part Number".

[Peter Naulls]

Colin,

This is completely off topic but I'm puzzled by the boot floor which looks far too low to accommodate an axle and diff housing. Maybe it's just the camera angle? Lovely looking shell though.

Peter.

[Tony Press]

No not my work, it was built quite a few years ago at a Trade school in Melbourne, it was left sitting on the ground in a shed missing some roofing, had rust just under doors. otherwise in excellent condition. Body is a copy of ones that were built by Egan Coach builders in Geelong, apparently quite rare. I'm sure Tony P can correct me if this is incorrect.

Hi Colin,

Bill Sheehan will be the one to talk to about Austin Seven bodies but as far as I know Egans were big in building bodies for Austin Sevens in the 30s after GM tokk over Holdens.