11-06-2022, 09:44 AM
(10-06-2022, 08:10 PM)Nick Mayne Wrote: Having just received a new strobe I started to set up the timing on my 1932 AVG (RN) van. I realised the advance was not working at all so took my Bosch distributor apart only to find that the balance weights were very neatly welded together and I attach a close up. How can this possibly happen? I have several fuses in my wiring including a master fuse but none are blown.
The history is that I originally had electronic ignition in the unit but changed it to normal points. I just found that the rotor arm lacks continuity but maybe there is a condenser or similar buried there?
Also I have just had the dynamo armature and filed coils rewound for 12 volts
I was thinking of buying a new distributor from Powerspark but am worried this could happen again. I do not know when it happened which is a problem.
Erudite advice welcome!
Hi Nick, I’m using a Lucas ( ex Mini) distributor with electronic ignition supplied quite a few years ago. I think the system is called Magnetronic, with a black plastic disc that holds four magnets — I was in touch with Pigsty at the time as they were making a four branch exhaust manifold for me. I got talking to Tim Myall about electronic ignition and he advised welding the weights together, which he subsequently did for me.
This has certainly worked very well on my special — brisk acceleration and no loss of flexibility. With light throttle it will happily pull away from 20mph in top gear. Of course 15ins rear wheels helps.
I subsequently fitted Powerspark to my Opal using the original DK4A with 6v positive earth. The Bob weights on this car are still ‘’working’’. The Opal runs beautifully.
I hope my experience is helpful — in your case you could apply that old adage, suck it and see.
Charles.