wheel FIAT UNO 1983 Service Owner's Manual

from the suspension struts and then remove
the bolts which secure the hub carriers to the
U-clamps at the base of the suspension
struts.
23Pull the tops of the hub carriers down and
then outwards and push the driveshafts from
them.
24Unbolt the driveshaft inboard boot
retainers and then remove the driveshafts
from the transmission.
25Support the engine on a hoist or use a
trolley jack under the engine/transmission.
Remove the bottom mounting and then the
upper left and right-hand ones.
26Lower the power unit to the floor by
pushing it to the left-hand side to clear the
right-hand mounting bracket and then swivel
the gearbox towards the rear of the car.
Withdraw the engine/transmission from under
the car.
27External dirt and grease should now be
removed using paraffin and a stiff brush or a
water-soluble solvent.
28Unbolt and remove the engine mounting
brackets and the starter motor.
29Unbolt and remove the cover plate with
the gearchange ball stud strut from the lower
front face of the flywheel housing.
30With the engine resting squarely on its
sump pan, unscrew the flywheel housing
connecting bolts, noting the location of any
lifting lugs and hose and wiring clips.
31Support the weight of the transmission
and withdraw it in a straight line from the
engine.
36 Engine- dismantling (general)
Refer to Section 14, Part 2.
37 Engine ancillary components
- removal
Refer to Section 15, Part 2 and also remove
the intake manifold.
38 Engine-
complete dismantling
3
1Have the engine resting squarely and
supported securely on the work surface.
2Unbolt and remove the timing belt cover.
3Grip the now exposed timing belt with the
hands and loosen the camshaft sprocket.
4Release the timing belt tensioner pulley
centre bolt, then slip the belt from the pulley
and sprockets to remove it. Note which way
round the belt is fitted, usually so that the
lettering on the belt can be read from the
crankshaft pulley end of the engine.
5Remove the camshaft sprocket.6Unbolt and remove the camshaft timing belt
cover backing plate.
7Unbolt and remove the camshaft carrier
cover.
8Unbolt the camshaft carrier and lift it off
very slowly, at the same time pushing the cam
followers and their shims down with the
fingers securely onto their respective valve
springs. It is easy to remove the camshaft
carrier too quickly with some of the cam
followers stuck in it and as the carrier is lifted
away, the cam followers will fall out. If this
happens, the valve clearances will be upset as
the cam followers and shims cannot be
returned, with any certainty, to their original
positions. Keep the cam followers and shims
in their originally fitted order.
9Unscrew and remove the cylinder head
bolts and nuts, grip the manifold, rock the
head and remove the complete cylinder
head/manifold/carburettor assembly. Remove
and discard the cylinder head gasket.
10Unbolt the coolant pump from the side of
the cylinder block and remove it complete
with coolant distribution pipe. Remove the
crankcase breather.
11Remove the distributor/oil pump
driveshaft. This is simply carried out by
inserting a finger into the hole vacated by the
distributor and wedging it in the hole in the
end of the driveshaft. Lift the shaft out of
mesh with the auxiliary shaft. Where the
distributor is driven by the camshaft, a cover
plate retains the oil pump driveshaft in
position.
12Unbolt and remove the sprocket from the
end of the auxiliary shaft. The sprocket is held
to the shaft with a Woodruff key.
13Unbolt the auxiliary shaft retainer and
withdraw the shaft from the crankcase.
14Unscrew and remove the crankshaft
pulley nut. This is very tight and the flywheel
starter ring gear will have to be jammed with a
cold chisel or a suitably bent piece of steel to
prevent the crankshaft rotating.
15Withdraw the crankshaft sprocket, which
is located by the Woodruff key.
16Unbolt the front engine mounting bracket
from the cylinder block, together with the
timing belt cover screw anchor bush. Unbolt
and remove the timing belt tensioner pulley.
17Unscrew the flywheel securing bolts. Thestarter ring gear will again have to be jammed
to prevent the crankshaft rotating as the bolts
are unscrewed. Mark the flywheel position in
relation to the crankshaft mounting flange,
then remove it.
18Unbolt the front and rear crankshaft oil
seal retainer bolts from the crankcase and the
sump. Remove the oil seal retainers.
19Turn the engine on its side, extract the
remaining sump bolts and remove the sump.
If it is stuck, try tapping it gently with a
soft-faced hammer. If this fails, cut all round
the sump-to-gasket flange with a sharp knife.
Do not try prising with a large screwdriver; this
will only distort the sump mating flange.
20With the sump removed, unbolt and
remove the oil pump.
21Grip the oil pick-up pipe and twist or rock
it from its hole in the crankcase. It is an
interference fit in the hole.
22Remove the piston/connecting rods as
described in Section 32.
23Before unbolting the main bearing caps,
note that they are marked with one, two, three
or four notches. No. 5 main bearing cap is
unmarked. Note that the notches are nearer
the auxiliary shaft side.
24Unbolt and remove the main bearing
caps. If the bearing shells are to be used
again, tape them to their respective caps. The
bearing shell at the centre position is plain,
the others have a lubricating groove.
25Carefully, lift the crankshaft from the
crankcase, noting the thrust washers at No. 5
main bearing. These control the crankshaft
endfloat.
39 Cylinder head- dismantling
and decarbonising
4
1The operations are similar to those
described for the ohv engine in Section 17 in
respect of decarbonising and valve grinding.
2To remove a valve, use a valve spring
compressor to compress the first valve and
then extract the split collets (photo).
3Release the valve spring compressor.
4Withdraw the valve spring cap and the
double valve springs (photos).
5Remove the valve (photo).
1•28 1116 cc and 1301 cc engine
39.4A Valve spring cap39.2 Valve spring compressor and split
collets

6Remove the spring seat (photo).
7Discard the valve stem oil seal and fit a new
one (photo).
8Remove the remaining valves in a similar
way and keep the components in their
originally fitted sequence.
9Reassembly is a reversal of removal. Refit
the components to their original positions, but
renew the valve springs if their free length is
less than that of a new spring or if the
springs have been in operation for more than
80 000 km (50 000 miles).
10The original valve clearance adjusting
shims will no longer provide the correct
clearances if the valves have been ground in
or the seats recut. Only where dismantling of
a valve was carried out to renew a spring is
there any purpose in returning the shims to
their original locations. Try to obtain the loan
of eight thin shims from your dealer and insert
them into the tappets (cam followers) before
assembling the cam followers to the carrier,
where they should be retained with thick
grease (photo).
11Fit the camshaft carrier, complete with
cam followers and shims to the cylinder head.
12Adjust the valve clearances as described
in Section 26.
40 Examination and renovation
4
1The procedures are similar to those
described in Section 18 covering the
following:
Cylinder block and crankcase
Crankshaft and bearings
Pistons and piston rings
Flywheel
2The following additional items must also be
examined.
Oil pump
3Carefully, clamp the pump housing in a
vice, shaft downwards.
4Take off the pump cover, with the suction
pipe. This will release the oil pressure relief
valve inside. Also inside is a filter.
5Remove the internal cover plate.6Take out the driveshaft and the gears.
7Clean and examine all the parts. Measure
the clearances against the Specifications. The
end clearance is measured by putting a
straight-edge across the cover face.
8The oil pump should only need
replacements after very long mileage, when
the rest of the engine is showing great signs
of wear.
9The length of a new gear can be measured
against the old gear to see if a new gear will
restore the end clearance to the Specifica-
tions. Otherwise the housing must be
changed.
10The driven gear shaft is mounted in the
housing with an interference fit. If there is any
slackness, a new housing (which will come
with shaft fitted) must be used.
11The oil pump shares its drive with the
distributor.
Camshaft, cam followers and
shims
12The camshaft journals and cams should
be smooth, without grooves or scores.
13Wear in the camshaft carrier bearings can
only be rectified by renewal of the carrier.
14Cam follower wear is usually very small
and when they show slackness in their bores,
it is probably the light alloy of the camshaft
carrier which has worn.
15Always measure the thickness of the valve
clearance shims using a metric micrometer.
Any grooving or wear marks in the shims
should be rectified by renewal with ones of
similar thickness.
Auxiliary shaft
16The shaft journals, the fuel pump
eccentric, and the drivegear for the distributor
and oil pump should be smooth and shiny. If
not, the shaft will have to be renewed.
17The bushes should still be tight in the
cylinder block, their oil holes lined up with
those in the block.
18Measure the bearing clearance. If
excessive, the bushes will have to be
renewed. They are a press fit, and require
reaming with a special reamer after fitting.
This is a job best done by a Fiat agent with the
special tools.
19Ensure the new bushes are fitted with the
oil holes lined up.
20Also check the driven gear and its bush.
21It is recommended a new oil seal is fitted
in the endplate. Hold the shaft in a vice, and
remove the pulley. Fit the new oil seal in the
endplate, lips inwards.
Timing belt tensioner
22Check the bearing revolves smoothly and
freely, and has no play. Do not immerse it in
cleaning fluid, as it is partially sealed. Wipe
the outside, and then smear in some new
general purpose grease.
23The action of the spring will have been felt
when the belt was taken off. It should be
cleaned, and oiled, to prevent seizure through
dirt and rust.
24Note the circlip on the engine right-hand
mounting bracket. This retains the timing belt
tensioner plunger.
1116 cc and 1301 cc engine 1•29
39.6 Valve spring seat39.5 Removing a valve39.4B Double valve springs
39.10 Cam followers fitted to camshaft
carrier39.7 Valve stem oil seal
1

42.9 Fitting the auxiliary shaft
41 Engine- reassembly (general)
Refer to Section 19, Part 2.
42 Engine-
complete reassembly
4
Crankshaft and main bearings
1Fit the bearing shells to their crankcase
seats and to their caps. The seatings and
backs of the shells must be spotlessly clean,
otherwise tight spots will occur when the
crankshaft is fitted. The centre bearing shell is
plain (photo).2Fit the thrust washer halves to their
locations at No. 5 bearing, noting that the oil
grooves in the washers face outwards (photo).
3Oil the surfaces of the bearing shells
liberally and lower the crankshaft into position
(photo).
4Fit the main bearing caps to their correct
locations, the correct way round (numerical
chisel marks towards the auxiliary shaft). The
rear cap is unmarked. Tighten the cap bolts to
the specified torque (photos).
5Check that the crankshaft rotates smoothly
and freely.
6At this stage, the crankshaft endfloat
should be checked. Prise the crankshaft fully
in one direction and measure the gap
between the machined face of the flywheel
mounting flange and the crankcase. Now
push the shaft in the opposite direction and
measure again. Ideally, a dial gauge should be
used for these measurements, but feelerblades will serve as a reasonable alternative.
The difference between the two dimensions
(feeler blades) or the total movement of the
crankshaft (dial gauge) should be within the
specified tolerance. If it is not, the thrust
washers at No. 5 main bearing will have to be
changed for thicker ones; this will require
taking out the crankshaft again to reach them.
7Fit new oil seals to the retainers and, using
new gaskets, bolt the retainers to the front
and rear ends of the crankshaft, having first
filled the oil seal lips with grease (photos).
Pistons/connecting rods
8The refitting operations are described in
Section 32.
Auxiliary shaft
9Lubricate the auxiliary shaft bearings and fit
the shaft into the crankcase (photo).
10Fit a new seal to the endplate and fit the
1•30 1116 cc and 1301 cc engine
42.7C Rear oil seal carrier42.7B Front oil seal carrier
42.7A Removing oil seal from carrier42.4B Tightening a main bearing cap bolt42.4A Number one main bearing cap
42.3 Lowering crankshaft into position42.2 Crankshaft thrust washers42.1 Main bearing shells

plate to the crankcase, using a new gasket
(photos).
11Fit the belt sprocket and partially tighten
its bolt. Then, using an oil filter strap wrench
or similar device to hold the sprocket against
rotation, tighten the bolt to the specified
torque. Take care not to damage the teeth of
the sprocket, which is of fibre construction
(photo).
Oil sump, sump pan and
breather
12Fit the oil drain pipe by tapping it into
place, squarely in its hole in the crankcase.
Tighten its retaining bolt (photo).
13Bolt up the oil pump, using a new gasket
at its mounting flange (photo).14Fit the sump (using a new gasket) and
tighten the securing screws to the specified
torque. Note the reinforcement washers
(photo).
15Insert the oil pump/driveshaft into the
distributor hole. This does not have to be
specially positioned as the distributor is
splined to the shaft and can be set by moving
its location in the splines (refer to Chapter 4)
(photo).
16Push the breather into its crankcase
recess and tighten its securing bolt (photos).Flywheel, crankshaft sprocket
and pulley
17Make sure that the flywheel-to-crankshaft
mounting flange surfaces are clean. Althoughthe bolt holes have unequal distances
between them, it is possible to fit the flywheel
in one of two alternative positions at 180º
difference. Therefore if the original flywheel is
being refitted, align the marks made before
removal.
18If a new flywheel is being fitted, or if
alignment marks were not made before
dismantling, set No. 1 position at TDC
(crankshaft front Woodruff key pointing
vertically). Fit the flywheel to its mounting
flange so that its timing dimple is uppermost
and in alignment with the relative position of
the TDC mark on the flywheel housing
inspection window.
19Insert the bolts and tighten them to the
specified torque, jamming the ring gear to
1116 cc and 1301 cc engine 1•31
42.11 Tightening camshaft sprocket bolt.
Note sprocket locking device42.10B Tightening auxiliary shaft end plate
bolt42.10A Auxiliary shaft end plate and
gasket
42.16B Crankcase breather and retaining
bolt42.16A Crankcase breather seal42.15 Fitting oil pump driveshaft
42.14 Tightening sump pan bolt42.13 Locating oil pump and gasket42.12 Tightening oil drain pipe bolt
1

prevent the flywheel turning. Fit the engine
endplate (photo).
20Fit the timing belt sprocket to the front
end of the crankshaft (photo).
21Fit the crankshaft pulley and the nut;
tighten it to the specified torque, again
jamming the starter ring gear to prevent the
crankshaft from rotating (photo).
Cylinder head
22Refitting is described in Section 29.
Camshaft carrier and camshaft
23Refitting is described in Section 27.
Timing belt and tensioner
24Refitting is described in Section 28, but
make sure that the belt cover rear plate is
bolted into position. If the engine mounting
bracket was removed, bolt it into positioncomplete with the tensioner plunger to
provide spring pressure to the belt pulley
(photos).
Valve clearances
25Check the valve clearances as described
in Section 26.
26Using new gaskets, bolt on the camshaft
carrier cover plate and the inlet and exhaust
manifolds using new gaskets. Fit the exhaust
manifold hot air collector plate (photo).
27Locate the engine rear plate on its dowels
by sliding it behind the flywheel (photo).
43 Engine ancillaries- refitting
1Bolt on the carburettor (Chapter 3). 2Fit the coolant pump and thermostat
housing (Chapter 2).
3Fit the alternator and tension the drivebelt
(Chapters 9 and 2).
4Fit the distributor (Chapter 4).
5Fit the fuel pump (Chapter 3).
6Fit the clutch (Chapter 5).
7Fit a new oil filter cartridge (Section 2 of this
Chapter).
44 Engine/transmission-
reconnection and refitting
3
1Offer the transmission to the engine making
sure that the clutch has been centralised as
described in Chapter 5 (photo).
1•32 1116 cc and 1301 cc engine
44.1 Offering transmission to engine42.27 Engine rear plate42.26 Tightening a camshaft carrier cover
nut
42.24C Engine mounting bracket with belt
tensioner plunger (arrowed)
42.24B Belt cover mounting stud42.24A Belt cover rear plate
42.21 Crankshaft pulley and nut42.20 Fitting crankshaft timing belt
sprocket42.19 Tightening flywheel bolts

2Draw the engine and transmission together
by screwing in the connecting bolts.
Refit lifting lugs and hose and wiring clips
(photo).
3Bolt the lower cover plate to the face of the
flywheel housing.
4Bolt the starter motor into position.
5Bolt the mounting brackets into place.
6Place the engine/transmission on the floor
ready for raising by hoist or jack into the
engine compartment.
7Raise the car and position it over the
engine/transmission.
8Hoist or jack the power unit upwards until
the left and right-hand mountings can be
connected (photos).9Remove the lifting mechanism and connect
the bottom mounting (photos).
10Connect the inboard ends of the
driveshafts with the transmission and the
outboard ends with the hub carriers.
11Reconnect the hub carriers with the
clamps at the base of the suspension struts.
Tighten the fixing bolts to the specified torque.
12Bolt the brake flexible hose support clips
to the suspension struts.
13Reconnect the tie-rod end balljoints
tightening the nuts to the specified torque.
14Reconnect the gearchange rods. The
easiest way to do this is to force the sockets
onto the ball studs using a pair of self-locking
grips (photo).15Refit the exhaust system and
reconnect the downpipe to the manifold
(photo).
16Screw on the driveshaft nuts and tighten
them to the specified torque. Have an
assistant apply the brake pedal hard to
prevent the driveshaft from turning.
17Refit the front roadwheels and lower the
car to the floor.
18Reconnect the carburettor fuel and
coolant hoses.
19Unplug the fuel hose and connect it to the
pump.
20Reconnect the choke and throttle controls
to the carburettor.
21Reconnect the coolant and heater hoses
1116 cc and 1301 cc engine 1•33
44.8B Left-hand engine mounting44.8A Raising engine/transmission into
engine compartment44.2 Lifting lug at bellhousing bolt
44.15 Exhaust downpipe flange nuts44.14 Connecting a gearchange rod ball
cup44.9B Lower mounting attachment bolts
44.9A Engine/transmission lower mounting44.8D Right-hand mounting bolted up44.8C Right-hand engine mounting
brackets
1

inhibitor should be used. Again, a reputable
make giving full protection must be chosen
and renewed every two years. Inhibitors with
dyes are useful for finding leaks, and on some
makes the dye shows when the inhibiting
ability is finished.
4 Thermostat-
removal, testing and refitting
1
1The thermostat assembly is mounted on the
flywheel end of the cylinder block.
2Unfortunately, the thermostat/housing is a
complete unit and failure of the thermostat will
necessitate the purchase of the complete
component (photo).
3If the thermostat/housing is removed from
the engine, it can be suspended in water and
the water heated to check out its opening
temperature. Movement of the thermostat
valve can be observed to some extent
through the openings in the housing.
4When refitting, always use a new gasket at
its mounting face (photo).
5 Radiator fan thermostatic
switch- removal, checking
and refitting
1
1Drain the cooling system.
2If the thermostatic switch is being removed
because the fan is not operating and the
switch is suspect, check the fan fuse first,
before removing the switch.3To remove the switch, disconnect the leads
from the terminals and unscrew the switch.
4Connect a test bulb and battery across the
switch terminals and then immerse the
sensing part of the switch in a container of
water. Heat the water and, using a
thermometer, check the temperature of the
water when the bulb lights up, indicating the
switch is functioning. The switch should
operate at approximately 194ºF (90ºC). Allow
the water to cool and check that the switch
cuts out at 185ºF (85ºC). Renew a faulty
switch.
5Refitting of the switch is the reverse of the
removal procedure. Always fit a new O-ring on
the switch.
6 Radiator fan-
removal and refitting
1
1Disconnect the electrical leads from the
radiator fan motor.
2Unbolt the fan mounting struts from the
radiator and lift the complete assembly away.
3Refitting is a reversal of removal.
7 Radiator-
removal and refitting
1
1Drain the cooling system.
2Disconnect the electrical leads from the
radiator fan motor and thermostatic switch.3Disconnect the coolant hoses from the
radiator (photos).
4Release the clips from the top of the
radiator and withdraw the radiator complete
with fan from the engine compartment
(photos).
5The radiator is of combined plastic/metal
construction and any repair should be left to
specialists. In an emergency however, minor
leaks from the radiator may be cured by using
a radiator sealant with the radiator in situ.
6Refitting is a reversal of removal. Fill the
cooling system as described in Section 2.
8 Drivebelt-
tensioning and renewal
1
1The drivebelt for the alternator and coolant
pump is correctly tensioned if it deflects
through 10.0 mm (0.39 in) under moderate
thumb pressure at the mid point of the longest
run of the belt.
2To tighten the belt, release the mounting
and adjuster nuts on the alternator and prise
the alternator away from the engine. Tighten
the nuts when the belt is taut and then
re-check the tension as previously described.
Never over-tension a belt or the coolant pump
or alternator bearings may be damaged.
3Check the condition of the belt at regular
intervals. If frayed or cracked, renew it in the
following way.
4Release the alternator mounting and
adjuster nuts and push the alternator fully in
Cooling and heating systems 2•3
7.3A Radiator top hose4.4 Fitting thermostat housing
(1116 cc engine)4.2 Thermostat housing
7.4B Removing radiator/fan assembly7.4A Radiator fixing clip7.3B Radiator hose to thermostat housing
2

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