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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Distributer - I am so, so stupid

Some may have noted I am part way through a 5 speed conversion. Everything is back together but the engine refused to start even though it was running perfectly prior to removal. The only thing I did whilst the engine was out was to remove the distributer, remove the drive dog, fit an extra washer to take up a little slop and reset the points. I meticulously set the timing to just before TDC. It has taken two days of frustration to find out what I did wrong. The drive on the distributor is off set so it can only be fitted one way round. However if you knock out the roll pin and remove the drive dog it can be fitted in two orientations 180 deg opposite. I had assembled mine 180 degs different to what it had fromerly been so number one lead should have gone to number four plug. My leads have tags on them so I had assumed everything should go back as before. Problem is with the dog in its present position the leads are stretched to their maximum. The engine has started but I have ordered a new solid state distributer and new leads. I can set everything up properly including the timing whilst the radiator is out and I can get to the TDC marks.


Jan T
J Targosz

Don't beat yourself up, been there done that, easy mistake to make.
R.A Davis

Yep. It happens.

Life is a minestrone,
Served at 180 degrees. 😉

https://youtu.be/MWKwHrnLN1w?feature=shared



anamnesis

Since you've got the radiator out, you could make a new set of timing marks where you can see them without being a contortionist.
Martin

Hi Martin,

I previously fitted a set of "fingers" to the timing chain chest and filed a repositioned groove in the pulley. Even with this I have to remove the dynamo to see them.

Jan
J Targosz

Jan,

You should be able to see around the dynamo. Even though I have an alternator I can see my marks with no problem since the pulleys on both the dynamo and alternator are in the same position. Maybe you can move yours a bit one way or the other. Really worth the effort.
Martin

"I had assembled mine 180 degs different to what it had formerly been"

I went one better when putting my engine back together, I put the distributor drive shaft back 180 degrees out. Fortunately checked things before putting the head back on, and engine back in car.
Tim Carter

This thread was discussed between 19/09/2023 and 22/09/2023

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