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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - A+ Distributor

Another querry regarding my A+ block.

It appears that I will not be able to use my current distributor, as fitted to the standard 1275 block, as the distributor stands a long way out of the block - see picture.

What is the best distributor to use? I was using an Aldon 100AR - no vac advance and a 'performance' advance curve. Would the 100ARP be OK - listed by Aldon as an A+ model?

From the archives it would that the one to use is that which was used with the A+ block (obvious I know) but there is mention of needing a loom to go with the electronic ignition.

Advice appreciated

John




John Turner (Midget & MGB)

No ideas on the Aldon units, but the A+ electric dizzys needed a +12 live (usually ignition switched) as well as a feed from the points side of the coil. This is incredibly easy to make using simply 1 extra wire.
If you have a ballasted coil, take from the fuse box white spade to the live spade on the ignition module on the side of the dizzy.
If you have a 12v coil its even easier, just take the + feed from the spare spade on the coil positive.
RoadWarrior

I use an A+ dizzy from an MG Metro with my A series block. Only needed the feed to the electronic module connecting up. Main issue with this dizzy in an ordinary A block is that the drive shafts are different lengths and so it needs modifying, as does the clamp arrangement. But that won't trouble you.

I did have difficulty with HT cable clearance shorting to the steering column. The A+ dizzy cap is a screw-down one (not clips) and I couldn't find a side entry screw down cap to fit. Even using elbow connectors one lead rubbed on the steering column and shorted.
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

There are screw-down side entry caps available...see my ad in the classifieds ;o)
Dave O'Neill 2

David, are these new? I looked EVERYWHERE for a suitable cap some years ago. And in the end I modified some clip-on SE caps to fit them with screws
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

There is a side entry screw-down dizzy cap, I have plenty of spares if you cannot find one.
David Smith

Guy these have been around for manny years!

John
the 123 tune for the A+ engine is an very intresting system.
As it is a programable distributor so anny advance curve is posible
Onno Könemann

John,

You talk about an A+ distributor and electronic distributor as if they are one and the same.

An A+ block (Ital I guess in your case) requires a specific type of distributor body specific to the A+ block. I'm 99% certain there is a points distributor for the A+ block which you could of course convert to the Aldon Ignitor or leave as points. If the distributor you have is an electronic type for a A+ block there is more than one type.

If this isn't clear in books with this stuff in someone please let me know.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

Onno,
At the time I was having this problem I posted messages here, and despite a good deal of discussion and a number of "false starts" no one was able to come up with the version that I needed. There are side entry caps for a larger diameter dizzy,(I think as fitted to the Maestro) but not for the MG Metro screw-down version that I have. But I would still be interested if there is one available
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

59D4 is the contact breaker distributor for A+ blocks. Probably I have one in my stash of distributors, along with a 59DM4.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

Guy
I only have an old cracked one but that is how i know thay have been around for long
Though i hated it when fitted to my midget clips is way easyer to live with.

I had a whole bunch of them (A+ distributors) but last saturday I sold my mini and threw in all my A+ parts.
You always find a need for something when you have just thrown it out!
Onno Könemann

Onno,
I think that the side entry caps are for the 45D4. Mine is a 59DM4 (electronic version)

David,
I found your classified ads. You list yours as 43 and 45D4. Not the same as mine I am afraid. Unless I am looking at the wrong listing.

Guy
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Guy, don't Aldon have a side entry capy for the 59DM4?
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

John,
The "wiring loom" that you refer to is this thing:
http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?pid=33964
Simple pigtail with the connector that goes on to the electronic module. Easy to take the supply off the coil. Probably worth adding a 1amp in in-line fuse. Or carry a spare module!

Daniel,
I don't know, not tried Aldon. I presume they have a web site; I will give them a try.
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Daniel,
Aldon list their SE cap:

SC194
Side Exit Distributor Cap Suitable for Lucas 43/45D4 Universal Screw or Clip Fixing Based on Lucas DDB194

No mention of the 59DM4

Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Guy

Sorry, I didn't realise it was a 59, you just said A+ originally.
Dave O'Neill 2

'S OK David! I did say it was electronic and from an MG Metro. I thought all electronic ones would be the same and therefore all 59'ers. Maybe they did an electronic version of the 45? I don't know.

But thanks for trying to help!
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

45DE4 is electronic

45DM4 is electronic

There are books with this stuff but maybe you need the latest edition?
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

And does this book say what caps are available for the 59 series?
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

I have seen pre A+ distributor bodies modified to fit A+ blocks - from recollection what you need to do is shorten the aluminium housing where it goes into the block then shorten the dissy shaft and repin the drive assembly on the end of the shaft. In fact I have such a modified item in my present race engine - a Lucas 45D with a RITA ignition for a BDA Ford with a modified advance curve... The side entry Princess/Sherpa dissy cap is what I use - has fittings for both screw fit and clips
James Bilsland

James

Thanks - nice to know how to overcome these problems but I think I will bite the bullet and buy a new Aldon to suit the block and engine characteristics - anyone want a 100 mile Aldon 100AYS!!!!

John
John Turner (Midget & MGB)

This thread was discussed between 20/12/2010 and 22/12/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.