A16 (1948) Distributor issue.

[DekyD]

Hello can anyone tell me “does the distributor move when the engine is running, when you manually rev the carburettor?”

It didn’t when I first got the car, it does now after having a close look at the set up. Vacuum adv/ret fitted.

[number5]

If your 16 is the 4 cylinder engine used in the A70 models, it should be locked in position via a clamping plate. This plate is secured to the block by a single 1/4 BSF hex set screw, and this plate locates on a the underneath side of the main body that is perhaps 1-1/8 inch diameter.  The the plate is split on the outer side, and each side of the split has a furled over piece through wich a 1/4 inch BSF screw passes. The head of the screw is usually drawn against a flat on the furled section sothat when the nut is tightened the screw cannot turn, locking the distributer within the plate.

I would presume that the distributor is one like the early A70’s had where the vacuum advance is attached externally away from the main body, with the rod that is connecting the advance mechanism within the distributor being visible.  If you are still able to drive the car, could be that the plate securing screw is loose. Perhaps take a photo and post it.  Hope this assists you.  Regards-Peter

 

 

[DekyD]

Thanks for the information, I’ll post some photos when I can. What you described is correct. I have dressed up the clamp faces and guide plate, and ensured enough clearance so the clamp is free to rotate with the distributor clamped. The vacuum adjuster rod /nut will be set at 0 deg and then connected to the vacuum unit and tightened. Hopefully then just to fine tune it?

[DekyD]

Tried to get clear photos but Distributor hides the clamps. Informed the this type does move while “blipping the throttle” I’ve not had it out as yet this year plus another issue has appeared? Voltage regulator issues will muddle through them……..

on the plus side it was starting from cold and hot in a couple turns!

thank, Derek

[number5]

Hi from Aussie–after speaking to a colleague who once owned a 16, and now has a Hampshire model, he says that although some extremely early Hampshires may have had the same distributer as the 16, his was like the ones I had, where the advance mechanism only moved within a secured body.  If you e-mail me on pjhackney@optusnet.com.au     I can send you some photos of the type I think that is on your engine.

Regards-Peter

 

[PJS]

In earlier models, including the 16, the whole distributor did move with the vacuum advance. Distributors on later versions of this engine (e.g. A70 Hereford) had internal movement in the distributor to allow for this,

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