xflow dizzy/ignition advice

xflow dizzy/ignition advice

Author
Discussion

twobone

Original Poster:

123 posts

163 months

Monday 30th May 2011
quotequote all
I think my ignition and distributor may need replacing. It is an original set up from the late 80s from Caterham. There is a Lucas electronic box that is mounted to the firewall that controls the advance to the distributor. That is also wired into the coil.

When I check the timing and the advance, I don't get a smooth transition up to max advance. Also, on the road, I'm getting rough running and hesitation. I think I have the carbs tuned in so I think the ignition system is not operating properly.

Anyone replaced this same kind of system. Is it a wiring nightmare? I'm concerned that all this will be wired into the tach or speedometer and replacing it will be to complex for a beginner like me. Any advice is much appreciated.

davidball

731 posts

209 months

Monday 30th May 2011
quotequote all
I replaced the CB distributor on my 87 Xflow with the Bosch electronic dizzy
http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-fitment-type/p...
It is a replacement dizzy and coil which works very well. There is also a Lucas version on the same page.



Richardsix

151 posts

171 months

Wednesday 1st June 2011
quotequote all
I replaced my original Lucas with an H&H distributer and coil, ten minutes to fit and fantastic result,best of all very reasonable price.

Richardsix

151 posts

171 months

Wednesday 1st June 2011
quotequote all
I replaced my original Lucas with an H&H distributer and coil, ten minutes to fit and fantastic result,best of all very reasonable price.

strongy7

4 posts

175 months

Thursday 2nd June 2011
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Sounds like the problem I had. I have just fitted a new distributor with an Aldon Ignitor inside with the correct advance for the xflow (14 degrees btdc idle advancing to 37). Pulls very strongly now

Have a search for Aldon Ignitor on google (I think they supply Caterham now) or if you like I have a spare Aldon Dizzy (with Ignitor fitted, not sure about the advance, but it could be returned to Aldon for a quick set up). If you want to retain the old points system I also have a lucas dizzy/amplifier same as your current set up.

twobone

Original Poster:

123 posts

163 months

Thursday 2nd June 2011
quotequote all
Thanks to all the folks that responded.

I think my problem was a dead coil. She got hot-hot-hot! I replaced it initially with a non-ballast coil. Ooops. Then got the proper bosch blue coil with a built in ballast. Car seems to run much better.

I'd like to find another mounting point for the coil as well. Up against the back of the foot well does not contribute to keeping the foot cool.