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MG TD TF 1500 - Distributor plate kit
My TD broke down on the side of the road today. Luckily, the weather was good and I had plenty of time. I was able to quickly repair my car because long ago somebody wrote an article either in this BBS or in some other publication recommending that you carry a spare distributor plate with points, rotor and condenser already installed on the plate. They suggested that the points on this spare plate be properly gapped in advance. They also recommended to include a spark plug wire light in this kit. The kit is to be used to check to see if you have an electrical problem. You use the light to check to see if you have electricity to each plug. If you don't, you replace the old distributor plate with the new one in the kit by just removing the two screws on the distributor plate and putting the new one in. When my car broke down today, I used this technique and it was extremely helpful and quick. I recommend this kit to everybody. I also want to thank whoever wrote that article for their very helpful advice. Appreciatively Milton |
Milton Babirak |
I don't know if it was me, but I recommend this approach to all T-Series owners. A pre-gapped plate is very quick to install should something go wrong with points or condenser! |
Steve Simmons |
Also for when the breaker less ignition stops working. "The early distributors were fitted with "symmetric" or "asymmetric" cams, these use a point gap setting of 0.010" - 0.012". Dimension across high points of cam lobes is 0.748" and across cam flats is 0.701" The later "High Lift" cams use a point gap setting of 0.014" - 0.016". Dimensions across the high points of cam lobes is 0.748" and across cam flats is 0.643". These dimensions are my own measurements and not factory numbers. The high lift cam was fitted to later distributors to improve ignition system performance and increase contact life." From Bob Gruneau. Len Fanelli Abingdon Performance LLC. |
Len Fanelli |
Ever since I went to the pertronix in both the TD and our MGB, I have carried a spare plate with pre adjusted points and capacitor on it in both cars. While I have never needed to use the plate in either car in the 15 years or so, but they will stay in place as long as we own the cars. It might be a good idea to carry a strip of fine sandpaper with the plate to clean the points if you ever have to use the plates to get home - the points will need to be cleaned prior to installing. Cheers - Dave |
DW DuBois |
This thread was discussed on 26/03/2017
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