Points and condenser - LotusTalk

bobbythejudge · 09-18-2009, 11:27 AM

To replace the points and condenser is it necessary to remove the distributor or carb to get at them the best way? I have a '73 Lotus Europa TC Special Ford(twin cam).Thanks,Bobby

TimMullen · 09-18-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbythejudge

To replace the points and condenser is it necessary to remove the distributor or carb to get at them the best way? I have a '73 Lotus Europa TC Special Ford(twin cam).Thanks,Bobby

I've done it on my Elan (same engine) without removing the carb(s) or the distributer. It's a bit of a pain, but not that hard.

I highly recommend getting a PerTronics ignitor to replace the points and condensor and not have to bother with it again...

bobbythejudge · 09-18-2009, 12:21 PM

Thanks for that,I probably will get one in the near future.

glb · 09-18-2009, 02:14 PM

tim is, as usual, right.

but,

1. One still has to lube the center shaft of distributor

2. Old TC distributors simply lose their advance curve when really hot. If you have an advance timing light, you can check timing after startup and then again after it's stinking hot.

This will not show up on a distr machine for obvious reasons, but is easy to check yourself.

I have never found a way to restore the curve, even after cleaning the distrib and lubing it.

407Driver · 09-18-2009, 02:54 PM

You might try one of these a bit pricey but solves alot of old distributor problems. I put one in my Peugeot 505 now it starts perfect and runs better than it ever has. 123 ignition conversions for Triumph, Ford-Lotus, MG and Saab

09-18-2009, 11:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
bobbythejudge Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: south Texas Posts: 27	Points and condenser To replace the points and condenser is it necessary to remove the distributor or carb to get at them the best way? I have a '73 Lotus Europa TC Special Ford(twin cam).Thanks,Bobby

09-18-2009, 12:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
bobbythejudge Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: south Texas Posts: 27	points and condenser Thanks for that,I probably will get one in the near future.

09-18-2009, 02:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
glb Unattractive Nuisance Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 4,525	tim is, as usual, right. but, 1. One still has to lube the center shaft of distributor 2. Old TC distributors simply lose their advance curve when really hot. If you have an advance timing light, you can check timing after startup and then again after it's stinking hot. This will not show up on a distr machine for obvious reasons, but is easy to check yourself. I have never found a way to restore the curve, even after cleaning the distrib and lubing it. __________________ 05 elise (PES chip, SSRs, shift tower mods, Multivex; HID low beams); 05 Corolla XRS; 72 Elan Sprint, 170 hp (Sold) "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." G. Orwell. 6. "A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." - Gian Vincenzo Gravina

09-18-2009, 02:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
407Driver Live from the Bubble Room Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tejas Posts: 147	You might try one of these a bit pricey but solves alot of old distributor problems. I put one in my Peugeot 505 now it starts perfect and runs better than it ever has. 123 ignition conversions for Triumph, Ford-Lotus, MG and Saab __________________ "Never leave well enough alone" Raymond Loewy

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