Hi all. I've recently had a 1275cc engine built using an 1100s block.

My engine builder completed the assembly of the engine. He said he had some difficulties getting the distributor to fit properly and said he suspects that the distributor we were given is an A+ instead of for the A Series.

I tried to install it this afternoon and I found that it went it with no dramas. I've never removed/replaced a mini distributor so I want some advice please. I've taken some pics tonight showing how I was able to install it. Can you please let me know if it is likely to be an A Series or A Plus distributor:

(Apologies if this sounds like a double entendre)...
Initially the shaft slips in smoothly and easily with no play - it feels like the perfect fit. It doesn't go all the way in, until I rotate the rotor gently. Then it feels like the drive slot lines up and the shaft is then allowed to drop in further. Once this was done the distributor sits with the flange butted up against the block/gasket like this:



You will note that while in this position, the distributor body can rotate:

Before rotation:


Rotated a little to demonstrate the movement:
]

But when I try to move the rotor, it does not revolve:


The engine is at TDC for 1, and it has spark plugs in it, so preferably I wouldn't turn the crank to check if the rotor on the distributor turns. But I can test that if it helps.

I wanted to see what it was about the distributor that made it not fit (if the shaft was too long/too short, too wide/narrow or it the slot was too thick/narrow). But given the dummy install above, I'm included to think that perhaps the engine builder just coincidentally/accidentally didn't manage to get it lined up properly. But perhaps there is something I am missing and the distributor is an A+? The engine builder is very well respected and has done a lot of excellent work.

What do you think?

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

You can turn the body of the distributor because there is no clamp holding it in place. The timing is adjusted by turning the body.

The rotor doesn't turn because the dog on the end is engaged into the driveshaft, which is in turn engaged to the camshaft.

So that all sounds correct so far.

However, the body of the distributor looks like A+ going off clamping area. Although after looking again perhaps the original style clamp simply fits over that flanged part.

The A+ dizzy uses a different dog/driveshaft though, so i would not expect it to fit properly.


Firstly i suggest comparing the dog on the end of the dizzy, see how wide the dog is. A+ is quite wide, A is fairly thin. The driveshaft in you block should have a thin slot so compare with that. And get a clamp of an old dizzy and see if it fits on that flanged part of the dizzy.

Thanks for the reply Matt. Sounds good to me too.



Ah so maybe this is what led the engine builder astray? Maybe he couldn't secure it with the standard clamp so figured it was an A+.



That's what I would think too.



I'll have a look tomorrow morning - it feels like a perfect fit.

And I'll see if it was the clamp that made the builder think it was incorrect. Happy to hear a multitude of thoughts if any others want to chime in...even if just to agree with Matt or provide new info

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

Have you spoken to the people that sold you the distributor about your problem? They might have the answer you need.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

Hey CM - I'm following that up as well, just trying to get them specifics on why it might be wrong.

Matt - you might be onto something. The builder said he had problems clamping it. I will grab a standard clamp and try to fit that. If it fits I can't see how it's the wrong distributor. If it doesn't then I'll know specifically what the issue is and present that to the supplier.

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

Alrighty - I figured out the issue. I grabbed a clamp for measurements. (Note +/- ~0.04mm)

The flange is 40.51mm OD



The retaining clamp is around 37.55mm ID



I tried to open it the clamp up a bit, but it was too much of a stretch to try to get it to fit. I would need to turn down the flange or take material out of the clap to fit. I'll get the manufacturers to alter the flange I reckon. Cheers.

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

Looks to me like they have used a body for an A+ (which has a finger clamp on that big flange), and put an A series drive dog on it.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks drmini, Do you think that turning down the flange is a good solution, or is there another/better way to solve this do you reckon?

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

What about a replacement housing from secondhand stock?

It's a brand new distributor so I would prefer the manufacturer to get it sorted. It was meant for A series specs so if prefer that they made it fit. I did consider just using a die grinder to open up the clamp a bit but then I'd always have a weird spec dizzy. I'll see what they say.

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

You could turn it down, but if it's been made as I said, it's the supplier's responsibility. If they don't know the problem, they can't fix.
Spare parts should fit, they should NOT require re-machining by the customer to make it so.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Yeah I'll get them to solve the issue, I was just wondering if there was anything else required that I was missing.

I'll pass the size of the flange issue on as the one I identified. But I'll ask that they compare the specs to a standard a series distributor and make the required changes.

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

Would it be worth trying to enlarge the clamp fractionally with a dremel or some type of
emery wheel , or maybe adding a bit of heat to the bottom of the clamp and prizing it apart by a couple of mills ?

Goodie I do reckon that'd work for sure.

I'm going to first get the manufacturer to change it as the first port of call. It's brand new and I'd prefer to not have a wacky sized dizzy on there if I can help it. Cheers guys.

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Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

It would be worth sending back and demanding a replacement.
It is an A+ body with an A drive dog. Unless you specifically ordered it to be made that way I would call it a cock up.