2 minute read
A Tale of Two Pick-Ups
OF TWO PICK-UPS
ALL DISTRIBUTORS ARE NOT EQUAL
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THIS NOTE MAY BE OF INTEREST TO MEMBERS who are using the original ‘Chrysler’ standard variable reluctance electronic ignition system.
A rolling road session revealed that the advance mechanism on my distributor was completely shot. Having more or less a complete spare car (minus body) in my garage, I removed the distributor from that engine and sent it off to The Distributor Doctor for refurbishment. It was soon returned, looking bright and shiny and probably better than when it was first manufactured. It was duly fitted into the car and ... nothing - absolutely dead. The old distributor had to go back in so that I could get home and the refurbished one was sent back to the Doctor.
Of course, when the new distributor was put back on the bench it worked fine. During discussions with the Doctor, it emerged that he had never come across a ‘Chrysler’ type amplifier unit before and was using a Lucas AB14 type amplifier, as fitted to Lotus Esprit, for testing. After a lot of head scratching, he revealed that there are two types of variable reluctance pick-ups: a low impedance version, with two black leads, and a high impedance one, with an orange lead and a violet one. You can probably see where this is going: the Sunbeam is the one with two black leads and my new distributor had orange and violet ones. It seems that the high impedance pick-up does not work with the ‘Chrysler’ type amplifier.
Also, today’s other top tip is: if you’re about to change the distributor, connect up the LT side of the new one, spin the shaft and see if a spark comes out of the HT lead from the coil.
PAUL COLLINS. MEMBER 91
HEATER HOSES
Some time ago I received a request for heater hoses which we don’t stock and did not know a supplier. At the recent National Day, I was able to look at a number of members cars to see what the hoses looked like. Whilst looking at one of the cars, a member commented that he had a spare heater hose and it had a Ford sticker on it. Looking at classic Ford cars for possible hoses, I started with the Mk.1 Cortina and found what I think is a suitable hose with a tight 90 deg angle bend which is available from classic Ford specialists and can be cut to length. Do an internet search for Cortina Mk.1 heater hose. The second heater hose is a straight length of heater hose which is available from any motor factor.
The club stocks the top and bottom radiator hoses which we get made especially for us and the two water pump hoses are available from Lotus 900 series engine parts suppliers, being common to all the 900 series engines.
