[TR] TR4A - Breakdown Update - Dizzy Replaced

[G.D. Huggins]

All,

OK... after the roadside breakdown caused by the rotor breaking, and the
insane amount of rattling the dizzy makes when the advance kicks-in, I decided
to remove it (Pertronix) and replace with the original Lucas 25D.

One of the immediate things I noticed after doing so is that startup
performance was immediate, instead of sluggish, and it idles very strongly,
almost too strongly (1000 rpm).  So, I think I need to adjust the carbs to
accommodate the dizzy change, which makes sense since ignition is ahead of
carbs in the tune-up critical path.

A couple of inquiries:

1. I set the four degree advance by using the thumb wheel.  According to the
manual, that is the starting point advance.  I've heard rumor of advancing the
wheel until the engine begins to "ping" (premature detonation?), then
retarding until it stops.  Does this really give you the best advance?

2. When the mechanical advance kicks in, it does rattle a bit, but nothing
like the Pertronix.  What can I do to cure this, if anything?

3. Finally, the vacuum unit on the dizzy is shot, so I am looking to replace
with one of those new units Moss is offering.  Any experience with those?

Pertronix has offered to look at, and repair/replace their product.  I am
hoping I just got a defective unit.



Cheers,

Guy D. Huggins
1965 Triumph TR4A
CTC 63569LO

Online project diary at http://www.genfiniti.com/triumph