Distributor mechanical advance query
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- Mr Spigot
- Minor Fan
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 2:44 pm
- Location: East Sussex
- MMOC Member: Yes
Distributor mechanical advance query
Trying to track down the lack of power in my 1952 MM (918 engine) going uphill (down to 15mph), I have been focusing on the distributor as the car starts and runs fine, ticks over beautifully and will run up to 55mph on the flat, but as soon as it hits a hill, the power drains away. I have checked timing, points and fitted and gapped new plugs. Having taken the points baseplate off to look at the advance weights, I noticed that there seems to be no tension in the springs and the weights will move and stay in position with a 3-4mm gap without closing back together - see photos. Do I need a new set of springs? If so, where from? The distributor is the DKYH4A 40251.
- Attachments
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- Distributor weights 2.jpg (66.82 KiB) Viewed 869 times
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- Distributor weights 1.jpg (64.1 KiB) Viewed 869 times
1960 2 door with 1275 Midget engine - WOI 577 - owned since 1990
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
Re: Distributor mechanical advance query
I’d start by removing the assembly and giving the parts a good clean, to eliminate any possible sticking.
- Mr Spigot
- Minor Fan
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 2:44 pm
- Location: East Sussex
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Distributor mechanical advance query
The weights move quite freely with no sign of sticking.
1960 2 door with 1275 Midget engine - WOI 577 - owned since 1990
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
- svenedin
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1960
- Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 9:27 am
- Location: Surrey
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Distributor mechanical advance query
If you send your distributor to a specialist it can be rebuilt. It will be put on a machine to check the advance curve. This is expensive though.
Stephen
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
- Mr Spigot
- Minor Fan
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 2:44 pm
- Location: East Sussex
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Distributor mechanical advance query
Yes, I have done that with my other Minor. I am looking for the easy and cheap fixes first and working up from there. New springs ( if the problem) are a lot cheaper than a rebuild at Distributor Doctor.
1960 2 door with 1275 Midget engine - WOI 577 - owned since 1990
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
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- Minor Maniac
- Posts: 10881
- Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:05 pm
- Location: Hampshire
- MMOC Member: Yes
- Mr Spigot
- Minor Fan
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 2:44 pm
- Location: East Sussex
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Distributor mechanical advance query
Compression test showed the following:
1; 112 psi
2: 118 psi
3: 120 psi
4: 117 psi
1; 112 psi
2: 118 psi
3: 120 psi
4: 117 psi
1960 2 door with 1275 Midget engine - WOI 577 - owned since 1990
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
1952 MM convertible with original engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023