ignition FIAT UNO 1983 Service User Guide

Engine idles roughly
m mMixture too weak
m mAir leak in carburettor
m mAir leak at inlet manifold to cylinder head, or inlet manifold to
carburettor
m mCarburettor incorrectly adjusted
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
m mLow tension leads on coil loose
m mLow tension lead to distributor loose
m mDirty, incorrectly set, or pitted contact breaker points
m mTracking across inside of distributor cover
m mFaulty coil
m mIgnition leads loose
m mSpark plugs fouled or incorrectly gapped.
m mIgnition timing incorrect
m mOther ignition fault (see Chapter 4)
m mIncorrect valve clearances
m mWidely differing cylinder compressions
m mLow battery voltage (charging fault)
m mBattery leads loose on terminals
m mBattery earth strap loose on body attachment point
m mEngine earth lead loose
Pre-ignition (pinking) during acceleration
m
mIncorrect grade of fuel being used
m mIgnition timing over-advanced
m mOther ignition fault (see Chapter 4)
m mEngine overheated
m mExcessive carbon build-up
m mFuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
m mValve timing incorrect (after rebuild)
m mMixture too weak
Engine runs on after switching off
m
mIdle speed too high
m mIncorrect type of spark plug
m mOverheating
m mExcessive carbon build-up
m mOther emission control fault (see Chapter 3)
Oil being lost due to leaks
m
mLeaking oil filter gasket
m mLeaking rocker cover gasket
m mLeaking timing gear cover gasket
m mLeaking sump gasket
m mLoose sump plug
Low oil pressure (verify accuracy of sender before
dismantling engine!)
m mOil level low
m mEngine overheating
m mIncorrect grade of oil in use
m mOil filter clogged or bypass valve stuck
m mPressure relief valve stuck or defective
m mOil pick-up strainer clogged or loose
m mMain or big-end bearings worn
m mOil pump worn or mountings loose
Excessive oil consumption
m
mOverfilling
m mLeaking gaskets or drain plug washer
m mValve stem oil seals worn, damaged or missing after rebuild
m mValve stems and/or guides worn
m mPiston rings and/or bores worn
m mPiston oil return holes clogged
Oil contaminated with water
m
mExcessive cold running
m mLeaking head gasket
m mCracked block or head
Oil contaminated with fuel
m
mExcessive use of choke
m mWorn piston rings and/or bores
Unusual mechanical noises
m
mUnintentional mechanical contact (eg fan blade)
m mWorn drivebelt
m mWorn valvegear (tapping noises from top of engine) or incorrect
clearance
m mPeripheral component fault (generator, coolant pump)
m mWorn big-end bearings (regular heavy knocking, perhaps less under
load)
m mWorn main bearings (rumbling and knocking, perhaps worsening
under load)
m mSmall-end bushes or gudgeon pins worn (light metallic tapping)
m mPiston slap (most noticeable when engine cold)
m mWorn timing chain and gears (rattling from front of engine)
m mWorn crankshaft (knocking, rumbling and vibration)
1•36 All engines

Fault finding - cooling and heating systems
2•8 Cooling and heating systems
Overheating
m mInsufficient coolant in system
m mPump ineffective due to slack drivebelt
m mRadiator blocked either internally or externally
m mKinked or collapsed hose causing coolant flow restriction
m mThermostat not working properly
m mEngine out of tune
m mIgnition timing retarded or auto advance malfunction
m mCylinder head gasket blown
m mEngine not yet run-in
m mExhaust system partially blocked
m mEngine oil level too low
m mBrakes binding
Engine running too cool
m
mFaulty, incorrect or missing thermostat
Loss of coolant
m
mLoose hose clips
m mHoses perished or leaking
m mRadiator leaking
m mFiller/pressure cap defective
m mBlown cylinder head gasket
m mCracked cylinder block or head
Heater gives insufficient output
m
mEngine overcooled (see above)
m mHeater matrix blocked
m mHeater controls maladjusted or broken
m mHeater control valve jammed or otherwise
defective

7 Carburettor idle speed and
mixture- adjustment
4
1All carburettors have their mixture
adjustment set in production. The screw is
fitted with a tamperproof cap.
2Under normal circumstances, only the idle
speed screw need be adjusted to set the
engine idle speed to the specified level.
3Before attempting to adjust the idle speed
or mixture, it is important to have the ignition
and valve clearances correctly set and the
engine at normal operating temperature with
the air cleaner fitted.
4Where the mixture must be adjusted, prise
out the tamperproof plug and turn the mixture
screw in to weaken or out to enrich the
mixture until the engine runs smoothly without
any tendency to “hunt”.
5Ideally an exhaust gas analyser should be
used to make sure that the CO level is within
the specified range.
6Once the mixture has been correctly set,
re-adjust the idle speed screw.
8 Carburettor-
removal and refitting
2
1Remove the air cleaner.
2Disconnect the flow and return fuel hoses
from the carburettor and plug them.3Disconnect the coolant hoses from the
carburettor throttle valve plate block.
Provided the cooling system is cold and not
under pressure there should be almost no loss
of coolant. Tie the hoses up as high as
possible with a piece of wire.
4Disconnect the vacuum and vent hoses
from the carburettor.
5Disconnect the throttle and choke controls
from the carburettor.
6Unscrew the mounting flange nuts and lift
the carburettor from the intake manifold
(photo).
7Refitting is a reversal of removal. Use a new
flange gasket and make sure that the fuel
return hose is routed above the air cleaner
intake.
9 Carburettor
(Weber 32 ICEV 50/250/1)-
servicing and adjustment
4
1The carburettor top cover with float may be
removed without the need to withdraw the
carburettor from the manifold. The other
adjustments described will require removal of
the carburettor.
2Unscrew the filter plug from the top cover,
clean the filter screen and refit it.
3Extract the top cover fixing screws, lift the
cover and tilt it to unhook it from the
diaphragm capsule link rod.
4Access to the fuel inlet needle valve isobtained by carefully tapping out the float arm
pivot pin. Take care, the pivot pin pillars are
very brittle.
5Check that the needle valve body is tight
otherwise fuel can bypass the needle valve
and cause flooding.
Float adjustment
6Reassemble and check the float setting. Do
this by holding the top cover vertically so that
the float hangs down under its own weight.
Measure dimension (A) (Fig. 3.10) which
should be between 1 0.50 and 11.10 mm
(0.41 to 0.44 in) with the gasket in position. If
necessary, bend the float arm tab to adjust.
7Now check the float travel which should be
45.0 mm (1.77 in). If adjustment is required,
bend the end of the float arm.
Accelerator pump stroke
8Using a twist drill as a gauge, open the
throttle valve plate through 3.5 mm (0.138 in).
9Turn the nut on the accelerator pump rod
until it just makes contact with the pump
control lever.
Fast idle adjustment
10With the choke valve plate fully closed by
means of the control lever, the throttle valve
Fuel system 3•7
Fig. 3.9 Fuel return hose correctly located
(Sec 8)
8.6 Carburettor mounting flange nut8.2 Fuel hose at carburettor
Fig. 3.10 Float setting diagram (Weber 32 ICEV 50/250) (Sec 9)
A = 10.5 to 11.0 mm (0.41 to 0.44 in) B = 45.0 mm (1.77 in)Fig. 3.11 Accelerator pump setting diagram
(Weber 32 ICEV 50/250) (Sec 9)
X = 3.5 mm (0.138 in)
3

pump jet and give ten full strokes of the
throttle lever, pausing between each stroke to
allow fuel to finish dripping.
8The total volume of fuel collected should be
between 2.5 and 4.5 cc. Adjust the nut on the
pump control and if necessary to increase or
decrease the volume of fuel ejected.
Fast idle adjustment
9With the choke valve plate fully closed, the
throttle valve plate should be open to give a
dimension (X) (Fig. 3.18) of between 0.90 and
1.0 mm (0.035 to 0.039 in). Use a twist drill of
suitable diameter to measure the gap. If
necessary, adjust by means of the screw and
locknut.
Anti-flooding device
10Close the choke valve plate by means of
the control lever. At the same time, push the
lean out valve rod towards the valve.
11There should be a gap (X) (Fig. 3.19)
between the edge of the choke valve plateand the carburettor throat of between 4.75
and 5.25 mm (0.187 to 0.207 in). Adjust if
necessary by means of the screw and locknut
on the lean out valve.
11 Carburettors (Weber 32 ICEE/
250 and Solex C32 DISA 14)-
description and adjustment
4
1One of these carburettors is used on
903 cc ES engines. They are very similar to
the Weber 32 ICEV 50/250 and Solex
C32 DISA 11 already described in this
Chapter except that a fuel cut-out solenoid
valve is fitted in association with the Digiplex
ignition system (see Chapters 4 and 9).
2The solenoid valve cuts off the supply of
fuel to the carburettor whenever the
accelerator pedal is released during overrun
conditions.
3A fuel cut-out device control unit receives
information regarding engine speed from the
static ignition control unit.
4A throttle butterfly switch relays informationthat the accelerator pedal is in the released
state.
5At certain minimum idle speeds during
deceleration, the fuel cut-out solenoid valve is
re-energised so that engine idling is
maintained without the tendency to cut out.
6The Solex type control unit varies the fuel
cut-out point according to the deceleration
value.Fault testing
7Should a fault develop, connect a test lamp
between the fuel cut-out solenoid switch and
a good earth.
8Connect a reliable tachometer to the engine
in accordance with the maker’s instructions.
9Start the engine and raise its speed to
between 3000 and 4000 rev/min, then fully
release the accelerator pedal.
10The test lamp should only go out during
the period when the accelerator pedal is
released. Should the test lamp remain on all
the time, or never come on, check the throttle
switch earth and the solenoid switch
connections.
11Disconnect the multi-plug from the control
unit. Switch on the ignition and check that a
test lamp connected between contact 7 of the
multi-plug and earth will illuminate. If it does
not, there is an open circuit from connection
15/54 of the fuel cut-off switch.
12Switch off the ignition and check for
continuity between contact 3 of the multiplug
and earth. An ohmmeter will be required for
this test.
13If there is no continuity (ohmmeter shows
infinity), check all the system earth
connections. Also check that the wiring plug
under the control unit is properly connected.
14Finally, check the engine speed signal. To
do this, a tachometer must be connected to
the single socket under the control unit within
the engine compartment.
15If the tachometer registers correctly then
this confirms that the electronic ignition
Fuel system 3•9
Fig. 3.18 Fast idle adjustment diagram (Solex C32 DISA 11)
(Sec 10)
X = 0.90 to 1.0 mm (0.035 to 0.039 in)Fig. 3.19 Anti-flooding device adjustment diagram
(Solex C32 DISA 11) (Sec 10)
X = 4.75 to 5.25 mm (0.187 to 0.207 in)
Fig. 3.21 Sectional view of fuel cut-off
switch (Solex C32 DISA 14) (Sec 11)
Fig. 3.20 Moving lean out valve rod
(Solex C32 DISA 11) (Sec 10)
X = 4.75 to 5.25 mm (0.187 to 0.207 in)
3

control unit is functioning, if the tachometer
does not register, renew the ignition control
unit.
16If a replacement carburettor is to be fitted,
only fit the Solex assembly including the
control module, even if a Weber was originally
fitted.
12 Carburettor
(Weber 32 ICEV 51/250)-
servicing and adjustment
4
1This carburettor, fitted to 1116 cc engines,
is very similar to the unit described in Sec-
tion 9.
2The fast idle adjustment procedure is
identical, but note that dimension (A) (Fig.
3.12) should be between 0.85 and 0.90 mm
(0.033 and 0.035 in).
3The choke valve plate gap (Y) (Fig. 3.13)
should be between 5.5 and 6.5 mm (0.22 and
0.26 in) and if adjustment is required, bend
the stop on the control lever.
13 Carburettor
(Solex C32 DISA 12)-
servicing and adjustment
4
1This carburettor is an alternative to the
Weber fitted to 1116 cc engines.
2The adjustments described in Section 9
apply.
14 Carburettor
(Weber 30/32 DMTR 90/250)
- servicing and adjustment
4
1The carburettor top cover with float may be
removed without the need to withdraw the
carburettor from the manifold. The other
adjustments described in this Section will
require removal of the carburettor.
2Extract the top cover fixing screws and lift
away the top cover with float. Access to the
fuel inlet needle valve is as described in
Section 9 paragraphs 4 and 5.
Float adjustment
3Hold the cover vertically so that the floats
hang down under their own weight. Measure
the distance between the float and the surface
of the gasket on the top cover. This should be
between 6.75 and 7.25 mm (0.27 and 0.29 in).
4Bend the float arm if necessary to adjust
the setting.
Primary valve plate opening
5With the throttle valve plate control lever in
contact with the stop, the primary valve plate
should be open (dimension X Fig. 3.22)
between 6.45 and 6.95 mm (0.25 and 0.27 in).
If adjustment is required, carefully bend the
lever stop.
Primary and secondary valve
plate openings
6With the throttle control lever fully actuated
the valve plate gaps (X and Y Fig. 3.24) should
be:
X = 13.5 to 14.5 mm (0.53 to 0.57 in)
Y = 14.5 to 15.5 mm (0.57 to 0.61 in)
Fast idle
7Close the choke valve plate fully and check
the gap (A) (Fig. 3.25) between the edge of the
throttle valve plate and the carburettor throat.
The gap should be between 0.90 and
0.95 mm (0.035 and 0.037 in), a twist drill is
useful for measuring this.
8If adjustment is required, carry this out
using the screw and locknut.
Anti-flooding device
(mechanically-operated)
9With the choke control pulled fully out, it
should be possible to open the choke valve
plate to give a gap (X) of between 7.0 and
7.5 mm (0.28 and 0.30 in). If adjustment is
required, carefully bend the stop on the
control lever (Fig. 3.26).
3•10 Fuel system
Fig. 3.26 Anti-flooding device (mechanical)
adjustment diagram
(Weber 30/32 DMTR 90/250) (Sec 14)
X = 7.0 to 7.5 mm (0.28 to 0.30 in)Fig. 3.25 Fast idle adjustment diagram
(Weber 30/32 DMTR 90/250) (Sec 14)
A = 0.90 to 0.95 mm (0.035 to 0.037 in)
Fig. 3.24 Throttle valve plate openings
(Weber 30/32 DMTR 90/250) (Sec 14)
X (primary) = 13.5 to 14.5 mm (0.53 to 0.57 in)
Y (secondary) = 14.5 to 15.5 mm (0.57 to 0.61 in)Fig. 3.23 Bending throttle lever stop
(Weber 30/32 DMTR 90/250) (Sec 14)Fig. 3.22 Primary valve plate opening
(Weber 30/32 DMTR 90/250) (Sec 14)
X = 6.45 to 6.95 mm (0.25 to 0.27 in)

6On 1116 cc and 1301 cc models, the
exhaust system is of dual downpipe, two
silencer, two section type.
7The exhaust system is flexibly mounted
(photo).
8Do not attempt to separate the sections ofthe exhaust system, while in position in the
car. Unbolt the pipe from the manifold and,
using a screwdriver, prise off the flexible
suspension rings. Provided the car is then
raised on jacks, ramps or placed over
an inspection pit, the complete exhaust system can be withdrawn from under the car.
9If only one section is to be renewed, it is far
easier to separate once the complete system
is out of the car.
10When refitting, grease the pipe sockets
and fit the clamps loosely until the suspension
rings are connected and the downpipe bolted
up (using a new copper gasket). Check the
attitude of the sections with regard to each
other and the adjacent parts of the
underbody. Fully tighten the clamps and
downpipe flange nuts, remembering to bend
up the lockplate tabs on 1116 cc and 1301 cc
models (photo).
11On the larger engined models, it may be
necessary to raise the vehicle at the rear and
support it on axle stands so that the rear sus-
pension hangs down and is fully extended.
This will allow sufficient clearance between
the axle and the body for the exhaust system
to be withdrawn.
Fuel system 3•13
3
19.10 Exhaust pipe socket clamp19.7B Exhaust tailpipe mounting
Fault finding - fuel system
Unsatisfactory engine performance and excessive fuel consumption
are not necessarily the fault of the fuel system or carburettor. In fact they
more commonly occur as a result of ignition and timing faults. Before
acting on the following it is necessary to check the ignition system first.
Even though a fault may lie in the fuel system it will be difficult to trace
unless the ignition is correct. The faults below, therefore, assume that
this has been attended to first (where appropriate).
Smell of petrol when engine is stopped
m mLeaking fuel lines or unions
m mLeaking fuel tank
Smell of petrol when engine is idling
m
mLeaking fuel line unions between pump and carburettor
m mOverflow of fuel from float chamber due to wrong level setting,
ineffective needle valve or punctured float
Excessive fuel consumption for reasons not
covered by leaks or float chamber faults
m mWorn jets
m mOver-rich setting
m mSticking mechanism
m mDirty air cleaner element
Difficult starting when cold
m
mChoke control
m mInsufficient use of manual choke
m mWeak mixture
Difficult starting, uneven running, lack of power,
cutting out
m mOne or more jets blocked or restricted
m mFloat chamber fuel level too low or needle valve sticking
m mFuel pump not delivering sufficient fuel
m mInduction leak
Difficult starting when hot
m
mExcessive use of manual choke
m mAccelerator pedal pumped before starting
m mVapour lock (especially in hot weather or at high altitude)
m mRich mixture
Engine does not respond properly to throttle
m
mFaulty accelerator pump
m mBlocked jet(s)
m mSlack in accelerator cable
Engine idle speed drops when hot
m
mIncorrect air cleaner intake setting
m mOverheated fuel pump
Engine runs on
m
mIdle speed too high

4
System type
Except ES engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery, coil mechanical breaker distributor
ES engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marelli Digiplex electronic with breakerless distributor
Firing order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3 - 4 - 2 (No. 1 cylinder at crankshaft pulley end)
Mechanical breaker distributor
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marelli or Ducellier
Contact breaker points gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.37 to 0.43 mm (0.015 to 0.017 in)
Condenser capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.20 to 0.25 µF
Dwell angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 to 58º
Rotor rotational direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clockwise
Ignition timing (dynamic)
903 cc engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5º BTDC at idle
1116 and 1301 cc engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10º BTDC at idle
Centrifugal advance:
903 cc engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between 30 and 34º max
1116 and 1301 cc engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between 22 and 24º max
Vacuum advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between 10 and 14º max
Ignition coil
Primary winding resistance at 20ºC (68ºF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between 2.6 and 3.3 ohms depending upon make of coil
Secondary winding resistance at 20ºC (68ºF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between 6745 and 12 000 ohms depending upon make of coil
Marelli Digiplex electronic ignition
Rotor arm resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1000 ohms
Advance range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between 6 to 10º and 47 to 51º
Engine speed sensor
Resistance on flywheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612 to 748 ohms
Sensor to flywheel tooth gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 to 1.3 mm (0.0099 to 0.0512 in)
TDC sensor
Resistance on pulley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612 to 748 ohms
Sensor to pulley tooth gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.4 to 1.0 mm (0.016 to 0.039 in)
Ignition coil
Primary winding resistance at 20ºC (68ºF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.310 to 0.378 ohms
Secondary winding resistance at 20ºC (68ºF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3330 to 4070 ohms
Chapter 4 Ignition system
For modifications and information applicable to later models, see Supplement at end of manual
Condenser (capacitor) - removal, testing and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Digiplex (electronic) - ignition checks and adjustments . . . . . . . . . . 10
Digiplex (electronic) ignition - location of components and
precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Distributor - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Distributor (mechanical breaker type) - overhaul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dwell angle - checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Fault finding - ignition system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See end of Chapter
General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Ignition coil - (mechanical breaker ignition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ignition switch - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Ignition timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mechanical contact breaker - points servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4•1
Specifications Contents
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert DIY
or professional
Degrees of difficulty
54321

Spark plugs
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion RN9YCC or RN9YC
Electrode gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.8 mm (0.031 in)
HT leads
903 cc (45) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion LS-07
1116, 1299 and 1301 cc (55, 60 and 70) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion LS-05
Torque wrench settingNm lbf ft
Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 18
4•2 Ignition system
1 General description
On all models except the 903 ES engine
version, a mechanical contact breaker type
distributor is fitted.
On 45 Super ES models which have the
903 ES engine, an electronic (Digiplex) ignition
system is used which incorporates a
breakerless distributor.
Mechanical contact breaker
system
For the engine to run correctly, it is
necessary for an electrical spark to ignite the
fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber at
exactly the right moment in relation to engine
speed and load. The ignition system is based
on feeding low tension voltage from the
battery to the coil where it is converted to high
tension voltage. The high tension voltage is
powerful enough to jump the spark plug gap
in the cylinders under high compression
pressures, providing that the system is in
good condition and that all adjustments are
correct.
The ignition system is divided into two
circuits, the low tension (LT) circuit and the
high tension (HT) circuit.
The low tension (sometimes known as the
primary) circuit consists of the battery, the
lead to the ignition switch, the lead from the
ignition switch to the low tension or primary
coil windings, and the lead from the low
tension coil windings to the contact breaker
points and condenser in the distributor.
The high tension circuit consists of the high
tension or secondary coil windings, the heavy
ignition lead from the centre of the coil to the
centre of the distributor cap, the rotor arm,
and the spark plug leads and spark plugs.
The system functions in the following
manner: High tension voltage is generated in
the coil by the interruption of the low tension
circuit. The interruption is effected by the
opening of the contact breaker points in this
low tension circuit. High tension voltage is fed
from the centre of the coil via the carbon
brush in the centre of the distributor cap to
the rotor arm of the distributor.
The rotor arm revolves at half engine speed
inside the distributor cap, and each time it
comes in line with one of the four metal
segments in the cap, which are connected to
the spark plug leads, the opening of thecontact breaker points causes the high
tension voltage to build up, jump the gap from
the rotor arm to the appropriate metal
segment, and so via the spark plug lead to the
spark plug, where it finally jumps the spark
plug gap before going to earth.
The ignition timing is advanced and
retarded automatically, to ensure the sparkoccurs at just the right instant for the
particular load at the prevailing engine speed.
The ignition advance is controlled
mechanically, and by vacuum. The
mechanical governor mechanism consists of
two weights, which move out from the
distributor shaft as the engine speed rises,
due to centrifugal force. As they move
Fig. 4.1 Typical ignition circuit (mechanical contact breaker distributor) (Sec 1)
1 Control unit
2 Multi-plug
3 Ignition coil
4 Distributor cap5 Crankshaft pulley
6 Flywheel
7 Battery
8 Rev counter9 Spark plugs
10 Wiring connector
S1 Engine speed sensor
S2 TDC sensor
Fig. 4.2 Digiplex electronic ignition system (Sec 1)

outwards, they rotate the cam relative to the
distributor shaft, and so advance the spark.
The weights are held in position by two
springs and it is the tension of the springs
which is largely responsible for correct spark
advancement.
The vacuum advance is controlled by a
diaphragm capsule connected to the
carburettor venturi. The vacuum pressure
varies according to the throttle valve plate
opening and so adjusts the ignition advance
in accordance with the engine requirements.
Digiplex ignition system
This electronic system eliminates the
mechanical contact breaker and centrifugal
advance mechanism of conventional
distributors and uses an electronic control
unit to provide advance values according to
engine speed and load. No provision is made
for adjustment of the ignition timing.
Information relayed to the control unit is
provided by two magnetic sensors which
monitor engine speed and TDC directly from
the engine crankshaft.
A vacuum sensor in the control unit
converts intake manifold vacuum into an
electric signal.
The control unit selects the optimum
advance angle required and a closed
magnetic circuit resin coil guarantees a spark
owing to the low primary winding resistance.
Five hundred and twelve advance values
are stored in the control unit memory to suit
any combination of engine operating
conditions.
No maintenance is required to the
distributor used on this system.
Distributor drive
The mechanical breaker type distributor on
903 cc engines and the Digiplex type
distributor on 903 cc ES engines are mounted
on the cylinder head and driven from a gear
on the camshaft through a shaft which also
drives the oil pump.
The distributor on 1116 cc and 1301 cc
engines is mounted on the crankcase and is
driven from a gear on the auxiliary shaft as is
also the oil pump.
2 Mechanical contact breaker
- points servicing
3
1At the intervals specified in “Routine
Maintenance”, prise down the clips on the
distributor cap and place the cap with high
tension leads to one side.
2Pull off the rotor.
3Remove the spark shield. Mechanical wear
of the contact breaker reduces the gap.
Electrical wear builds up a “pip” of burned
metal on one of the contacts. This
|prevents the gap being measured for
re-adjustment, and also spoils the electric
circuit.
Ducellier type distributor
4To remove the contact breaker movable
arm, extract the clip and take off the washer
from the top of the pivot post.
5Extract the screw and remove the fixed
contact arm.
6Clean the points by rubbing the surfaces on
a fine abrasive such as an oil stone. The point
surface should be shaped to a gentle convex
curve. All the “pip” burned onto one contact
must be removed. It is not necessary to go on
until all traces of the crater have been
removed from the other. There is enough
metal on the contacts to allow this to be done
once. At alternate services, fit new points.
Wash debris off cleaned points and
preservatives off new ones.
7Now the distributor should be lubricated.
This lubrication is important for the correct
mechanical function of the distributor, but
excess lubrication will ruin the electrical
circuits, and give difficult starting.
8Whilst the contact breaker is off, squirt
some engine oil into the bottom part of the
distributor, onto the centrifugal advance
mechanism below the plate.
9Wet with oil the felt pad on the top of the
distributor spindle, normally covered by the
rotor arm.
10Put just a drip of oil on the pivot for the
moving contact.11Smear a little general purpose grease
onto the cam, and the heel of the moving
contact breaker.
12Refit the contact points and then set the
gap in the following way.
13Turn the crankshaft by applying a spanner
to the pulley nut or by jacking up a front
wheel, engaging top gear and turning the
roadwheel in the forward direction of
travel. Keep turning until the plastic
heel of the movable contact arm is on the
high point of a cam lobe on the distributor
shaft.
14Set the points gap by moving the fixed
contact arm until the specified feeler blades
are a sliding fit. Tighten the fixed contact arm
screw.
15Check the contact end of the rotor arm.
Remove any slightly burnt deposits using fine
abrasive paper. Severe erosion will
necessitate renewal of the rotor.
16Wipe out the distributor cap and check for
cracks or eroded contacts (photo). Renew if
evident or if the carbon brush is worn.
17Refit the spark shield, rotor and distributor
cap.
18Setting the contact breaker gap with a
feeler blade must be regarded as a means of
ensuring that the engine will start. For
optimum engine performance, the dwell angle
must be checked and adjusted as described
in Section 3.
Marelli type distributor
19Open the points with a finger nail and
inspect their condition. If they are badly
eroded or burned, then they must be
renewed. The contact points can only be
renewed complete with carrier plate as an
assembly.
20Release the low tension leads from the
terminals on the distributor body (photo).
21Extract the screws which hold the vacuum
advance capsule to the distributor body. Tilt
the capsule and release its link rod from the
contact breaker carrier plate (photo).
22Prise out the E-clip from the breaker
carrier and then withdraw the contact
assembly from the top of the distributor shaft.
Ignition system 4•3
2.21 Extracting vacuum diaphragm unit
screw2.20 Marelli distributor2.16 Interior of distributor cap showing
carbon brush
4

Note the washers above and below the
contact assembly (photos).
23Fit the new contact assembly by reversing
the removal operations.
24Although the points gap is normally set in
production, check it using feeler blades when
the plastic heel of the movable arm is on a
high point of the shaft cam. Adjust if
necessary by inserting an Allen key (3.0 mm)
into the socket-headed adjuster screw.
25Carry out the operations described in
paragraphs 14 to 17 in this Section.
3 Dwell angle- checking
3
The dwell angle is the number of degrees
through which the distributor cam turns
between the instants of closure and opening
of the contact breaker points.
1Connect a dwell meter in accordance with
the maker’s instruction. The type of meter that
operates with the engine running is to be
preferred; any variation in contact breaker
gap, caused by wear in the distributor shaft or
bushes, or the height of the distributor cam
peaks, is evened out when using this.
2The correct dwell angle is given in the
Specifications at the beginning of this
Chapter. If the angle is too large, increase the
contact points gap. If the angle is too small,
reduce the points gap. Only very slight
adjustments should be made to the gap
before re-checking.3On Ducellier distributors, adjustment of the
dwell angle can only be carried out by
switching off the ignition, removing the
distributor cap, rotor and spark shield and
adjusting the points gap.
4Re-check once the engine is running.
Adjustment may have to be carried out
several times to obtain the correct dwell
angle.
5On Marelli distributors, adjustment of the
points gap (dwell angle) is carried out with the
engine running by inserting a 3.0 mm Allen
key in the hole provided in the distributor
body.
6Always check and adjust the dwell angle
before timing the ignition as described in
Section 4.
4 Ignition timing
3
1Timing the ignition on engines with
mechanical breaker distributors is carried out
in the following way.
2Disconnect the vacuum hose from the
distributor diaphragm capsule (photo).
3Have the engine at normal operating
temperature and idling with a stroboscope
connected in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
4Point the stroboscope at the timing marks
on the flywheel and the index on the aperture
on the flywheel housing. The mark on the
flywheel should be opposite to the BTDC
mark on the index specified for your particular
engine. Alternatively, use the notch on the
crankshaft pulley and the marks on the timing
belt cover (photo), but this will necessitate
removal of the wheel arch shield.
5If the marks are not in alignment, release
the distributor clamp plate and turn the
distributor gently until they are (photo).
6Tighten the clamp plate nut, switch off the
ignition, reconnect the vacuum hose and
remove the stroboscope.
7If there is any difficulty in seeing the timing
marks clearly, highlight them by painting with
quick-drying white paint.
4•4 Ignition system
4.4 Ignition timing marks on belt coverFig. 4.5 Flywheel housing timing marks
(Sec 4)4.2 Distributor vacuum hose
Fig. 4.4 Adjusting Marelli type contact
breaker points gap (Sec 2)
Fig. 4.3 Marelli contact breaker (Sec 2)
2.22B Washers above contact breaker2.22A Marelli contact breaker E-clip