Distributor spinning in engine block

[Emleyowl]

I am fitting an electonic ignition distributor and it turns freely. I have tightened the clamp but it doent seem to get hold of it. Should it turn freely or sure it lock into place.

[philthehill]

Have you got the right distributer for the engine block
Later distributers are secured totally differently.
A picture of what you have fitted and how it is secured will not go amiss.

Later distributers are secured with this type of clamp:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI ... SwGOtamrzd

Here is a distributer fitted with the correct clamp and the clamp is the right way up i.e. central portion raised away from the block
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MINOR ... SwTM5Yu~7d
So if you have the correct Minor type distributer/ clamp have you fitted the clamp the right way up so it grips the distributer body?

Have you fitted the 1/4" UNF bolt that holds the distributer to block sleeve in place?

[Ian Jones]

I am fitting an electonic ignition distributor and it turns freely. I have tightened the clamp but it doent seem to get hold of it. Should it turn freely or sure it lock into place.

Hello

The body certainly should not turn.

Regards

Ian

[Emleyowl]

Cheers for the replies.the distributor clamp is correct but I can't get the distributor to go in fully .when connecting the clamp to the distributor and trying to push it in there is a small gap.

[Emleyowl]

Cheers for the replies. It is the right clamp but when connected to the engine the distributor won't go through it,and when put on the distributor before fitting it won't go fully in.

[philthehill]

Have you got the clamp the right way up?
The raised section of the clamp goes towards the distributer.
You may have to open up the clamp slightly to allow the distributer to fit through the clamp.
It is easiest to fit the clamp to the distributer and then fit the distributer with clamp to the engine with the two 1/4" UNF set screws..
The bottom of the distributer shaft has a offset that will only fit one way into the distributer drive shaft so it is important to get the distibuter offset and the drive shaft offset to match otherwise the distributer will not go fully home.

[Emleyowl]

I have put the clamp on the same way as it came off.the square bolt is towards the bulkhead and the slotted end is towards the rad.When I connect the clampito the distributor first there is a small gap to the engine block.

[philthehill]

It sounds very much like you have the clamp (Pt No: 3H213B) upside down.
With the distributer fitted the clamp should rest on the distributer housing/location sleeve.
Here is the MOSS parts list link for reference:-
https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/shop-by-m ... minor.html

[Emleyowl]

The opening side of
the clamp which has the bolt through it is at the top. Is that right?

[philthehill]

The clamp bolt is normally fitted towards the head (see BMC wksp man section CC fig CC5).
The important point is that the raised central section of the clamp is placed upwards towards the distributer body and then clamped around the distributor body (see section CC6 for full fitment details).

[Emleyowl]

Cheers,finally sorted it.wouldnt go in fully but after your advice turned the rotor arm until it slotted in.thanks guys it was doing my head in.