Good Morning everyone,

I'll preface this by stating I have searched high and low before posing this inquiry; The short version of the long story is that the Lucas distributor was removed from my car (1970 4.2 XJ, US spec) and I have no timing reference. I have a new pertronix package (D177600 distributor, 3 ohm Flame thrower coil and flame thrower wires, Thank you Santa!). I have read through the pertronix instructions, the original workshop manual and the haynes as well, My understading is that on the old distributor, the engine should have been cranked (on cylinder number 1) to 0 degrees TDC on the timing marker and the position of the rotor arm noted. Is anyone able to tell me which direction the rotor arm should be in, or perhaps the best way to tackle this issue?

I appreciate your assistance,

Jon

 

Cylinder number one is the one closest to the fire wall. Turn the engine until that cylinder is at the TDC of the fire cycle. .

insert the distributor so that the rotor points to the spark plug lead in the cap ointing to cylinder nmber one.

Note the rotation f the rotor as the engine is crnked. insert the plug wires to accomdate the firing rder.

this will establish static timing.

then use the strobe to adjust to pertromix spec as to degrees Btc. somewhere between 3 and 17.

Vacum and cenrigugaal will alter as to input.

 

Thank you JagCad,

I appreciate your help! Just to confirm as I have never done this before; The timing marks at the front of the engine are in reference to cylinder 1, correct?

Have a wonderful evening!

Jon

 

Jon,
As JagCad said number one is in the back and if you finger over the spark plug hole you will feel pressure of compression stroke ... stop at 10 degrees Before TDC and insert distributor into hole, the blade at bottom is offset and can only go in one way. So when distributor seems to hit bottom turn rotor with you hand until it drops another 3/32". This is the correct position. Put a small patch of tape on the distributor opposite the rotor tip to indicate where the number one spark plug wire goes when you put the Cap on.

Follow Pertronix timing instructions, not the jag work book for the old distributor. The New Distributor has new "ignition curves" to accommodate todays lower fuel octane ratings. The firing order for remaining Spark Plug wires 1 5 3 6 2 4.
Rgds
David

 

Good evening David,

Thank you for taking the time to assist and for sharing your knowledge!

Best regards,

Jon

 

Jon, left out: the vacuum advance unit on the new distributor should be facing straight aft for initial installation.
Rgds
David

 

Thank you David, I appreciate your help!

 

Jon, one more. if you are working by your self, this can help you turn engine as needed from the top just behind radiator. From the front of car looking aft, always turn engine CW...never back wards. If you miss go around again. I put a white paint mark on 10 degrees, so when get into timing with engine running, you will able to see mark on Vibration dampener.
Rgds
David

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...e-over-211540/

 

Thank you again David, fortunately I have a friend giving me a hand with things. The thread you shared is excellent reading!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Jon