The distributor is found in the ignition system of most vintage cars and is responsible for routing the high voltage generated at the coil to the individual spark plugs in the correct order.
A typical distributor assembly consists of a rotating arm, otherwise known as a rotor, which is inside the distributor cap and on top of the distributor shaft. This rotating shaft is connected by the camshaft or a geared system to the crankshaft so timing can be related to the crankshaft. The rotor essentially connects from the center wire of the distributor cap to the individual spark plug wires as it spins. Simultaneously, the same distributor shaft opens and closes a set of contact points. These contact points connect the ignition power to the coil to build up the high voltage. When the points open, the high tension of the coil is allowed to discharge through the coil wire, to the rotor, and out to each spark plug.
During a regular tune-up, certain specs are needed along with proper data when new parts are needed. The cache is not at the posted coordinates, so you'll need to find some information based on a 1965 Austin-Healey Sprite(unless otherwise noted).
- P = Cylinder firing next after the front cylinder.
- O = Ignition timing marks on an Austin-Healey Sprite 1098 are located on:
- 1: Top of crank pulley
- 2: Bottom of crank pulley
- 3: Inside flywheel inspection port
- 4: Bottom of distributor housing
- ABCD = Distributor Model
- FG +/- H degrees Dwell Angle
- Point Gap:
- 0.0(I min inch) to 0.0(J max inch)
- 0.(K min mm) to 0.(L max mm)
- E deg BTDC at 600 rpm Stroboscopic Timing
- Distributor Clamp Bolt Torque:
- Fixed Nut: M lb-in
- Fixed Bolt: N lb-in
Location is at: N 40 (K-P).M*B+N+E
W075 (J+B+D/A-F).N*J+F*H*O+A+G
Bring a pen and please put the cache back as you found it. Bonus points if you can figure out the container part!
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