No start on 54-1173

[jbcollier]

Has the cylinder head been off?

[Gary t]

Not in my time. I have driven the car about 2000 km in the past couple of years.

[jbcollier]

Is something bottoming and preventing the distributor clamp from tightening properly?

[Gary t]

That was my thought also but I am in the  process  of putting the dash back together after the ammeter extraction.  I replaced the ammeter electrically with a 40 Amp fuse,  the ammeter shunt gave its life to save my car.
Is removing the distributor a big deal (assuming I can replace it in same orientation)?

[GavinT]

It's easy.
Mark the original position, remove the nut & clamp and it just lifts out.

There should be no clearance between the dizzy flange and the head.

[dakazman]

  Gavin, Isn't there a gasket under the distributor?  I dropped one on just as a security blanket for oil leaks, but still able to stop movement of the distributor. so zero clearance would be correct, don't get me wrong, just tight. remember I'm a novice on these engines.
dakazman

[Gary t]

Well another answer yes it is the distributor.  When I removed it it was totally locked put pliers on the drive gave ita wiggle and it started to turn but all rattley and catching so I assume  a whole new unit is in  my future.
Any suggested suppliers or parts sources or the best way forward.

[Richard48Y]

What do I win? 

[Kendo]

What do I win? 

You win the most valuable thing, internet points 

[jbcollier]

Ignition123 make a new programmable distributor.  Handy if you modify the engine but not cheap.

If you are not in a rush, you can send it to me and I’ll overhaul it for you.  I’m in Edmonton and I have a distributor advance machine and the necessary machine tools.

[Gary t]

Thanks John I'll keep your offer in mind. We are away for a couple of weeks I'll  see what jells in that time.  What is your  definition of not in a hurry?

[jbcollier]

It's summer and I'm busy with fun so a couple of weeks?

[jbcollier]

PS: I'm offering because you are, relatively, close-by.  Only charge would be for any parts and shipping.  Worst I can see is a couple of brass bushings.

[Gary t]

Thanks so much for the offer John.  We are away for two weeks so no shipping of anything  until I am back home.  As you say this is fun season I have emailed the usual suspects, I will keep you posted.
I didn't take anything apart but it will need a new drive lug other than that I don't know.

[GavinT]

  Gavin, Isn't there a gasket under the distributor?  I dropped one on just as a security blanket for oil leaks, but still able to stop movement of the distributor. so zero clearance would be correct, don't get me wrong, just tight. remember I'm a novice on these engines.
dakazman

Dave, there's no gasket as far as I know – and it doesn't seem to weep oil.
Just be aware a gasket would inevitably affect the dog engagement in the dizzy drive adaptor.