DKY4A Distributor swop?

[John Gould]

Hi, my DJ4A distributor has seen much better days and I have an ex Triumph TR2, DKY4A distributor (non vacuum advance) in excellent order, measuring them up it looks as if all I have to do is change the key on the base of the DKY to the gear from the DJ4A - looks simple enough. Not bothered about originality as it's a special (with a Ruby engine) but I do wonder if perhaps the timing advance would be too great.  
Anyone already done this? Also any more thoughts you might have would be welcome.
Thanks, John.

[JonE]

it definitely runs the same way?

[John Gould]

Just checked and no, dammit, it doesn't. So I guess it would be auto retard!
Next question, who can rebuild a DJ4A ?

[Ilmoro]

Some useful references in this thread: http://pub25.bravenet.com/forum/static/s...0&cmd=show  Also I believe the Standard motor club may have new distributors of the correct orientation; though you would need to be a member...or know someone who is 

[Denis Sweeney]

Try the Distributor Doctor you can find him easy enough on the internet

[JonE]

John, I went through lots of lists and discovered a later Lucas 60s unit which ran the same way and bought a couple of new old stock units on the basis of wanting something reliable for the longer term. I have a Reliant manifold and was going to explore using the vacuum facility too, as said manifold (like a cast Ruby unit but with downdraft) is plumbed for it.
That said, would it not be better finding a decent DK4A to get yours back to original spec?

[John Gould]

Thanks everyone, I'll try looking at the baseplates and see if they can be swopped (maybe Joe Lucas didn't change anything if it didn't need to be changed) and if I find it's possible and it works I'll report back. If not then I'll see what the Distributor Doc. says.
I guess you're right about the DK4A, although if I do find a really good one I'll just have to explain to my good lady why we can't afford to heat the house for a few weeks this winter!

[Denis Sweeney]

Martin Jay of Distributor Doc was extremely helpful with my enquiries re my DK4A refurbishment and immediately informed that my serial number indicated mine was from a A10 or A12 but as it was an 8 degree it would be ok.
Martin does not have a price list for you to refer too and is happier to discuss your own problem/issues direct and advise accordingly

Just to add I have no connection with this company!!

[JonE]

...if I do find a really good one I'll just have to explain to my good lady why we can't afford to heat the house for a few weeks this winter!

I think you'll likely find its "for a few hours" so perhaps there is a benefit in waiting as Austin 7 costs will become proportionately less....

[Ian Williams]

I have been told by some sources here that the Distributor doctor did not provide a service they were happy with. I would however highly recommend him for parts that will allow you to fully refurbish your A7 distributor, it may not be a cheap but the parts are exactly what you will need and of good quality in my experience.