Distributor - new or reconditioned?

[rsawatson]

I'm after a new distributor as the one currently fitted to my car is worn out and is beginning to cause problems.

I've had a look around at various suppliers' websites and it appears as though Lucas still manufactures the 25D4 distributor. However, I notice that some suppliers sell reconditioned ones too.

Which should I go for? The main reason I ask is because I am somewhat doubtful of newly manufactured parts as they often seem to be low quality and prone to failure... I was therefore wondering whether anyone else has fitted a newly manufactured distributor and can vouch for their reliability, in which case I shall probably buy one.

Thanks in advance.

[lambrettalad]

I got mine from accuspark ,no problems over the last two years, very good company

[chesney]

I got a replacement unit from SimonBBC but suspect that it is the same as Lambrettas. Good piece of kit, the only fault I can see is the advance/retard adjustment is loose, I just screwed it right up to take the slack and adjusted the dizzy by hand.
It is well worth the money, especially when you get a free red rotor arm/dizzy cap/internals for under £30 posted

[mike.perry]

The drive dog on the end of the shaft is replaceable

[rsawatson]

Thanks for your advice. I'm certainly better placed to make a decision now.

What seems to be the main problem is excessive play in distributor camshaft - the rotor arm is striking the terminals on the cap and the excessive play seems to be causing a misfire which is noticeable only at low speeds. All other avenues I can think of explored; I've done a compression test, renewed the plugs, leads, points and consdenser and still no improvement so I'm assuming the worn distributor is the root of the problem.

[bmcecosse]

Don't waste time/money on a 'reconditioned' one. The Simonbbc and accuspark units seem to get good reports -and come complete with a new vacuum unit. I suggest a 45D non-electronic unit......

[lambrettalad]

spot on except for the non electronic ,if you want condensers breaking down and points closing and pitting etc keep it standard

[bmcecosse]

Not a problem I have had in Minor/Mini ownership! Good original parts and occassional adjustment of the gap is all it takes...... But by all means pay the extra - but they don't get so many good reports - quite a few on Mini forums have had problems......

[dalebrignall]

ive got accuspark not had any problems at all

[chesney]

Equally I've used a SimonBBC (same as accuspark) 25D non electric that has all new parts and - it works