Distributors

MattV8S

MattV8S

New Member
Hello. I have a 1976 Rover 3500S with the 35D8 Distributor (code: 41573). Starting problems had been getting worse until one day it stopped working. Luckily I have a friend with a spare P6 V8 engine, so we swapped the dizzy's over and I am again mobile.

I have looked into getting my existing one refurbished and looking at previous topics on here I can expect to pay £185ish from Distrubutor Doctor and maybe a little less at H-H. My question is - Could I not buy a 'Brand New' Land Rover Defender V8 distributor ETC6976 (much cheaper at £90), swap the drive gear over so the fitment is correct and use it without the 3-pin electrics connected?

I know the code 41573 is specific to vacuum curves and the like but realistically would I really notice much difference. I may be talking rubbish but could it be a way to go? I am really looking for the best, but also cheapest solution as I need to get a new exhaust too!

Any help and advice greatly received, regards, Matt.
 
Hello Matt,

I assume that your failed distributor has points still fitted? Excess wear in the shaft is a major problem when still using points. You can fit an electronic ignition system to your existing distributor and it will work just fine, assuming of course that is the only problem. The free play in the shaft is only detrimental when you are still using points. If the mechanical advance springs are stretched or worse, these can easily be replaced.

Some of the distributors available such as the one that you quoted for 90 Pounds are aftermarket look-a-likes so be wary that the quality may not always be as you would hope for. Also I don't know if you can take such a distributor and remove the internals and refit points into it. As you say, the vacuum advance curve may be slightly different with either a replacement distributor or a new module, but either way I agree you would be hard pressed to spot the difference without all the necessary measuring equipment.

Ron.
 
Thanks for your reply Ron.

My distributor does still have points fitted. I have been toying with the idea of going electronic for a while and this now seems the perfect opportunity. I am unsure as to the exact problem with it but the vacuum thing doesnt work and the baseplate grease stuff has turned into browny coloured solids so it would need fully stripping down and refurbishing.

Thank you for your advice - I do not want an aftermarket part of low quality, or one that may not fit easily.

I have had quotes back from H-H and also IgnitionLand (found on eBay)

H-H have come back with £145 to overhaul my existing dizzy and fit electronic points or £185 for an outright new one and coil. Ignitionland have quoted £157 for an electronic dizzy but this is chrome plated - is there any advantage to having it chrome plated? It may look good on a hotrod but I think would be a bit out of place under my bonnet! Also has anyone heard of Ignitionland and had anything to do with them? They may also be known as Probe Distributors, North Ockendon, Essex.

I am thinking the outright purchase of an electronic dizzy with new high power coil from H-H is the best bet, what do you think?

Cheers
 
Hello Matt,

I don't know the businesses that you mention, so I can't really comment, but either way be aware that if you buy an electronic distributor with a new high power coil, you will need to bypass the ballast resistor which resides within the loom behind your instruments in order for it to work properly.

If it was my Rover, I would refurbish your existing distributor and fit an electronic ignition system that used your existing coil.

There are many forum members who have fitted electronic ignition systems to their cars, so I am sure that they will offer some assistance to you too.

Ron.
 
Matt

I was in the same boat as you, couldn't decide which way to go having got all the quotes and sourced alternatives. In the end, I stripped down and clean my existing 35D8 and replaced the vacuum advance with a new one from WinsLtd £40, and then replaced the points with an accuspark electronic kit and coil, another £40. Fired up first go and have not had any problems yet. I agree with Ron, you could be taking a gamble on a replacement system, which is why I stuck with the original dizzy and just cleaned and updated it.

Si
 
I agree on the clean up, new vac advance and electronic ignition route. Be very clear when getting quotes that you need the dizzy for a P6. Most electronic dizzy's sold will be for the SD1 wngine which has a different distributor drive arrangement.

Chris
 
I am thinking the outright purchase of an electronic dizzy with new high power coil from H-H is the best bet, what do you think?
Click to expand...

buy a Mallory magnetic distributor with vacuum advance + you'll be playing in the Big Leagues + doing away with the hassle of points... ( US$325 = £200 )

distmalloryss1.jpg


http://www.thewedgeshopstore.com/products/Mallory-SS-Distributor-w{47}-Mallory-8mm-Wires.html

GW
 
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