MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Distributor Clamp - Early TD

Am I correct in thinking that the distributor clamp should have a small round mounting hole rather than a larger slotted/oval hole? The clamp on my TD seems to have been originally designed to provide for adjustment via the mounting hole - in addition to the adjustment provided by the clamping arrangement. I plan to replace the clamp as the whole idea is to be able to set the distributor advance and then clamp it down - allowing you then to remove and replace it with the positive locating function of the set bolt.

One additional question on the set bolt and the space between the clamp arm and the block - are you all fitting washers in that space to take up the gap ? The bolt seems too long otherwise and thee is the issue of the arm not fitting up snug to the block surface.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Sorry - I can't post a photo - maybe this weekend when I am able to be in Atlanta with the car.

Jeff
Jeff Delk

Jeff, on my early TD the indexing bolt is inserted through a round hole. It is not slotted. Regards, Tom
tom peterson

Tom
The purpose of the bolt is to stop the distributor from rotating. Adjustment should be achieved by releasing the clamp and turning the distributor not by turning the clamp. The hole should be round not oval.
regards
Mick 52 TD
Mick Cook

mick, that is what i posted. it was jeff who had the question. regards, tom
tom peterson

This clamp?

The hole is elongated vertically. The shouldered bolt stops on the shoulder against the block, and the pin goes into the square groove around the mounting boss but does not touch the boss, allowing the distributor body to be turned when the other clamp bolt is loosened, but preventing the distributor from going more vertical than the elongated hole allows.

The clamp "floats" allowing for small machining errors in the distributor. Do not over tighten the clamping bolt as this can crack the distributor housing. Because of the clamp design, a separate ground wire is needed.

Dave Braun

A pic of the distributor and clamp.

Dave Braun

Thank you all for your input. Dave, your comments confirm my thoughts on the set up. What I have on my TD is a locating bolt that does lock the distributor and a clamp locating home that is elongated horizontally - introducing a variable in the timing setting - if the distributor is removed.

I am going to replace the bolt and clamp as I fear the items I gave are incorrect or modified pieces.

Thanks so much,

Jeff
Jeff Delk

Hi all. I'm putting my distributor package together for the first time. After looking at the photos. I'm not seeing the 1/8 spacer washer. I am missing this washer or spacer and questioning if I need it? I think I do need it and am looking for one to buy.

Thanks!

Bob
RER BOB ROSA

What type of mounting? Clamp/pinch bolt in the block, or with the split collar/bolt that is then bolted to the block? George
George Butz

My setup is the early block style with the clamp like shown in Dave's photo.

Thanks
RER BOB ROSA

According the article in the new issue of TSO about Lucas distributors, you do need the 1/8th spacer to correctly position the drive gear if you have a DKY4A 40048 or 40162 (original for early TD's)dizzy. The D2A4 prefix numbers do not. I think this is in the archives somewhere, seems the correct spacer is not available, so you may need to make one. George
George Butz

Thanks George! I have a rebuilt DA34 which also has the # KY4A on it. I do have a small lathe and could make this spacer. Do you know what the OD should be. I can make the ID to just clear the housing dia. Should I make it of steel or Alum. I bought this TD minus engine / tranny and every thing that would have been attached to them. So I've been piecing it all back together.Bought a short block and all the rest piece by piece. Hope to fire it up this spring.

Thanks again.


RER BOB ROSA

Attached is a photo of the different length dizzy's, and an original spacer ring.

Tony

A L SLATTERY

I have an early TD and missing the 1/8 spacer ring. Does anybody know a source for this part?

Thanks,
Rich
Richard Taylor TD3983

John Twist guy's told me to contact Doug Pelton owner of “From the Frame UP” restorations 480 588-8185 I spoke with him and he plans to have some of these rings made. He is looking for some idea as to how many he will need. If interested give him a call or email. www.FromTheFrameUp.com

Bob
RER BOB ROSA

Thanks Bob!
Rich (TD 3983) Taylor

This thread was discussed between 13/11/2013 and 05/12/2013

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now