[third spider]

I am looking at the new "tune" version of the 123 distributor and wondered if anyone could confirm that the D model would fit a 1974 spider

http://www.leenapk.nl/images/super/Tune_model_D.PNG.

Thanks for any help,

Mike

 

[180OUT]

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/engine-management/181300-programmable-ignition-3.html

 

[third spider]

Thanks for the link, but wondered more specifically about whether the 123/tune model D would physically fit in place of the standard distributor in a 74 spider. Has anyone actually used this specific unit in this application? The link below gives the dimensions of the 123 unit in question.

http://www.leenapk.nl/images/super/Tune_model_D.PNG.


Thanks

Mike

 

[Alfajay]

Mike:

Not to give you a hard time, but why wouldn't not pull your stock distributor, measure it, and verify that it matches the dimensions shown on the 123 website? Why would you trust an answer from some stranger whose only known qualification is that he has an Internet account, rather than the readings from your own micrometer?

Having said that, all Nord engines from the 1950's - 1990's use the same distributor drive. There's nothing unique about a 1974. So if a 123 distributor fits any Nord-engined Alfa, it will fit your's.

 

[third spider]

Yep, you are right Alfajay; time to get the distributor out and do the measurements. I have never removed the distributor before, but can't be that tricky so probably pretty easy to take it out, measure it then put back in place pending getting the new unit.

Looking forward to the 123 which seems to have very good reports.

spider 3

 

[Alfajay]

I have never removed the distributor before, but can't be that tricky

Not tricky at all. You are going to need to do the operation when you install your new 123 distributor, so might as well do a "practice run".

Be sure to note the direction the rotor is pointing before removing the distributor, and position it the same way on re-installation. And don't turn the engine in the meantime (disconnect the battery so the starter doesn't accidently get bumped).

You will need to re-time the engine after replacing the distributor. Have a timing light on hand, and make sure the marks on the crankshaft pulley are clean enough to be visible. Some white-out or silver paint on the notches can improve their visibility.

 

[third spider]

Thanks for the tips Alfajay
Will do this this weekend.

Best

Spider 3

 

[third spider]

Well,
I managed to get the distributor off, really quite simple. But after measuring its dimensions (see attached), when trying to relocate the nut on the securing bolt, it rolled away and I swear its fallen into the recess of the crankshaft pulley. This made me slightly anxious in case the nut might jam in the works. So, since there was bearing play in the water pump, and I'd been meaning to replace it, I set to and took out the radiator. Working on backing out the 2 lower studs on the water pump. This is going to take a while, and I still haven't located that nut.

Anyway, the Marelli distributor has similar but not identical dimensions to the 123 tune model D.

Does anyone know if this is close enough?

 

[third spider]

Sorry, original distributor dimensions are in blue on this picture. They didn't come over in the last post.

Spider 3

 

[180OUT]

I presume you bought your 123 from Centerline or IAP? They're reliable companies and if they say your distributor will fit, then it'll fit. Also, if the part number of your distributor matches up to the part number in their catalogue, the the distributor will fit.

Since you appear to be a bit new at this, I feel I should warn you about aligning the distributor key with the slot in the oil pump drive. It only goes ONE way. There is a slight offset that's sometimes not easy to observe when fitting the distributor. Keep in mind that #1 is referenced by the oil pump position and not everyone installs them the same way: your drive key may appear to be backwards. If it is take the spring off the keyed drive, drive out the dowell, and rotate the key drive until #1 points in the right direction. If you don't do this, your distributor will be 180 degrees out of phase, the car won't run, and you can end up chasing your tail trying to figure what in the @## is happening. Ask me how I know.

 

[third spider]

Actually haven't bought the distributor yet. I was aiming for the latest version of the 123 distributor which neither centerline nor IAP stock. I might try calling them for the dimensions of their earlier 123's to see if they match.

Thanks for the tips on the distributor, in fact the original unit was already in 180 deg off, with appropriate reversal of the spark leads. Seems as much an art as a science all this.

One stud to go, then the water pump is off.

spider 3