Maranelli Distributor Problems

[Andy1960]

I am attempting to replace the contact breaker set, however i can not see the cam lobes due to the counter balance weights being directly above, i can not see how to remove this assembly to get at the contacts and have a good view of the cam, any suggestions would be great.

Andy

[Bill]

The best way to do the points is to remove the dizzy from the car and take it to your work bench. This is not difficult or compilcated and allows for you to clean and check the whole unit. As you will probably want to change the condensor(s) and rotor as well, this will make the tasks much easier.
I have soft jaws for my bench vice and use them to hold the shaft while working.

Let us know if you need any particular advise on this subject and we will be more than glad to help.

Keep it clean and unforced and you should have few problems.

Good luck,
Bill

[180OUT]

Bill is right about removing the distributor. To do it right you'll find that a 10mm distributor wrench (long reach, right angle box end) from NAPA will make the job much easier. Alternatively, you can uses a skinny 1/4" in extension and socket to loosen the nut between the distributor and the block.

Be careful not to drop the nut!! It's very easy to do that because you have to reach between the block and the dizzy to get at it.

I'd recommend, also, that you convert to breakerless. Perlux and other companies make kits for your Marelli dizzy that will not only the need to adjust points but will also provider a hotter spark to boot. Once you have the dizzy out the kits are easy to install.