[TR] Ignition question (and hello!)

[Bob Labuz]

Malcolm,

When I see/hear backfiring, I always think timing. If you static time 
your distro, then set 4 degrees BTDC you should be ok for most driving.

For me on my 3 and 4, I do the same thing but then use the micro 
adjustment to fine tune so I don't get any pre ignition and the engine 
pulls good in all gears.

If you think your distributor is worn out, then get it rebuilt. I had 
mine done on my 6 by Jeff Alexander. He does a good job and the price is 
good.

No experience here with electronic ignition. I go with  stock on my 3,4 
and 6 and are very satisfied.

I have rarely had problems with spark but the few I have had are bad 
points, broken connection on the low tension lead inside the distributor 
and a bad distributor cap.

Not sure on the rotation degrees on the distributor rotor, but I am 
guessing at least 5 degrees each way, (maybe a bit more) and it should 
snap back.

Doubt the filters are the problem. But do check the oil level in the 
dashpots.

Bob

  On 07/16/2012 02:34 AM, Malcolm wrote:
> Hello list,
>
> It's been a very long time since I have sent a message to the team.net list
> Triumph.  Some of you may remember me!
>
> Anyway, I have now got enough time on my hands to tinker again with my 1962
> TR4.  Also, this year it is fifty years old, so I feel somewhat obligated
> to pay attention to it.  I've got a bunch of new parts on it now, including
> a stainless exhaust and new tacho/speedo cables, and have been trying to
> get it to run properly.
>
> I have fairly bad backfiring (through the carbs) under load when
> accelerating.  I have balanced the carb inlets, the mixture seems OK, and
> I've done the static timing.  I have new air filters (K&N) on order.  I
> suspect that this is an ignition problem, though, and the Haynes manual is
> dismal when it comes to troubleshooting the distributor.  Nearly every test
> involves "compare your stuff with new parts, and replace them if they are
> worn out".
>
> My big question is: how much should I be able to rotate the distributor
> rotor?  A little?  A lot?  15 degrees?  30?  Should it snap back to a
> position at rest or just flop around?  I am trying to tell if the
> centrifugal advance springs need replacement.
>
> Will the K&N filters require me to fiddle with the timing?  They are
> 56-9327: http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=56-9327
>
> Has anyone got glowing recommendations, or horror stories, for electronic
> ignition?  I've been scouring the Web and so far have not found a clear
> winner.  I could rebuild the points (a la Distributor Doctor, or Advanced
> Distributors) - or get Petronix, Hot-Spark, or some other drop-in
> electronic replacement.
>
> I am not building a concours car.  I want it to be reliable, running on
> pump gas, with minimal roadside surprises.
>
> Thanks!
> -Malcolm
>
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