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MG MGA - REPLACING DM2 DIZZY WITH A 45D

I've got a 1960 MGA 1600 with original 1600 engine. I'm looking at buying a 45D dizzy that is supposed to be a direct drop in replacement for my ailing DM2.

The description given by the vendor is as follows:

"Brand new 45D distributor made in England. This will fit all MGB's up to 1976 and can be used on MGA's and some other 4 cylinder British Cars. These are ready to install with hold down clamp, points, condensers and vacuum advance."

Will this work ok without any modifications on my part ??? The vendor says it will !!

Mike
Michael Hosier

Why not have the original restored instead? Will cost about the same.
dominic clancy

The actual body (casting) is badly cracked otherwise I would look at having it restored.

So my original question .... Will the 45D work as is without modification ???

Thanks .... Mike
Michael Hosier

Michael

When I rebuilt my 1500, the original distributor was badly worn so I fitted an Aldon alternative. I subsequently transferred it to my 1800 engine without any modifications and it runs ok. I asked Bob West at the time about the differences and he said the curves were only very slightly different and hardly discernible for routine road work. Might not be the absolute perfect curve but works ok. I therefore guess the reverse must also be true.

That said, I am currently having my original Lucas 1500 distributor rebuilt by Aldon to 1800 specifications and electronic ignition fitted. Great company to deal with here in the UK. Dominic put me on to them and, although I had some initial problems through a misunderstanding, they have gone out of their way in a very friendly way to sort things out. 10 out of 10.

I guess you have similar companies in the US, but might be worth dropping Aldon an email to see what they say.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks Steve, I did get in touch with Aldon and they do spec the 45D as the current replacemnet for the DM2 which they no longer have available. They do mention that I should provide with the advance curve number from my DM2 so that they can properly provide a compatible replacement. Pretty much what you said. I think the advance curve difference is as you say not too big an issue anyway. Thanks again !!
Michael Hosier

Michael, I've been asked to modify some of those 45D replacement distributors and they are of much lesser quality than the original 45Ds produced by Lucas. There are some problems with properly fitting the cam assembly, as they tried to delete the important spacer in trade for a steel washer. It fits really loose or really tight with no happy medium.

I have a box full of DM2s. I could replace your cracked casting for about $30, plus rebuild labor! I also have one points-type original 45D as well. Contact me by email if you're interested!
Jeff
Jeff Schlemmer

Michael,
My A's distributor had a chunk out of the collar squeezed by the timing clamp. I used some "miracle aluminum weld" available at any hardware or home improvements store. It is zinc-based, I believe so it turns a bit darker but you can't see it so who cares. I have a lathe and turned the surface round but scribing a line and filing would work too.

Distributor wear steals advance. This seems especially true for the original-style DM2 with the multi-link advance. The newer DM2's have 25D-style weights and springs. These seem a bit less wear-sensitive.

I installed a Pertroniz system and recurved my distributor last year. My car runs much better now. Here are some pics:

http://home.comcast.net/~eastmanb1/MG/MGA_Distributor_work1/Dizzytest_simple1.htm

If that doesn't work go to my home page and follow the links.

http://home.comcast.net/~eastmanb1/

Unfortunately, no pictures of the collar fix.
Hope this helps.
Bill
Bill Eastman

This thread was discussed between 01/08/2006 and 04/08/2006

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