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Early Z distributor rebuild
http://forums.ctzcc.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9557
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Author:  johnnyZ [ Mon Nov 26, 2018 3:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Early Z distributor rebuild

For the past year I've been trying to remedy a timing issue I've had with my 71 240Z. :roll: While I now have it running well at idle with no pinging on acceleration, I do experience a dramatic drop in power at over 5K RPM. It's been bugging me for a while. I've tried replacing the points with Pertronix, adjusting the valves, replacing advance springs, cleaning and the carbs, replacing the plugs, points, condenser, rotor, cap wires, in short eliminating any gremlins I thought could be causing this. No such luck!

I still want to keep the original distributor and the rest of the car as stock as possible, but replacement distributors for the early Z's have dried up and most companies, including MSA won't rebuild them anymore.

I've read many articles on the web from other car clubs and I've now decided, that I will have my original dissy sent to a professional for repair. Advanced Distributors seems like a good choice based on the references I've read. They will rebuild the distributor and re-curve the timing using one of many SUN machines they have with an expected turn around of about 3-4 weeks.

I still suspect that the issue is with the distributor timing. Some time ago I took apart my distributor for servicing and cleaning when I found that it only had one mechanical advance spring installed. I started inquiring whether the original 240Z distributor should only have one mechanical advance spring. Got lots of different answers, most though said it was supposed to have two springs. Apparently, according to Jeff at AD, some older units were sent from the factory with only one spring. Of course over time, these springs wear out and can effect the ignition timing. I've replaced the springs already with two new springs, but have no way of testing to see if the timing curve is correct. My guess is that it's not. :thumbs_down:

I've shipped my "insured"distributor out today to Advanced Distributors in MN. I will let you fellow Z club friends know my progress.

Below is AD's web page for your future reference:

http://advanceddistributors.com/wordpress1/

Author:  HowardJ [ Tue Nov 27, 2018 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

Good luck John. :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :mrgreen:

Howie

Author:  FM6 [ Tue Nov 27, 2018 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

:thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :mrgreen: GL John

Author:  Frank T [ Tue Nov 27, 2018 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

Hmmm....what happened to the answer I typed to you?
Why did you delete it John?
WHY? WHY? :x

Author:  johnnyZ [ Wed Nov 28, 2018 10:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

Frank,
I don't recall seeing a message from you on this topic? :?

Author:  Frank T [ Wed Nov 28, 2018 11:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

Just kidding. I wrote that Bryan Little used to blame the new gasoline additives on high-speed breakdowns, and recommended a mild booster.

Author:  johnnyZ [ Wed Nov 28, 2018 11:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

One further note, I will be checking the timing marks on the end of the cam shaft sprocket to make sure the cam is in proper position on the chain relative to TDC on the crank. I'm wondering if there may also be enough stretch in the chain to cause a timing issue.

And thanks Frank for clearing up the "missing message" thing. I'm easily confused these days. :roll:

Author:  FM6 [ Wed Nov 28, 2018 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :shock: :lol:

Author:  Frank T [ Wed Nov 28, 2018 8:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :shock: :lol:

Author:  jp260z [ Fri Dec 07, 2018 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

Good luck John. I'd thought you had that issue solved.

I've read good things about Advanced Distributers before. I'll be interested to see how you make out, I hope she ends up running better than ever before.

Jay

Author:  johnnyZ [ Mon Dec 24, 2018 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

Christmas came early for me! :D

I just received my distributor back from Advanced Distributors. First, I have to say it looks way better than new. All cleaned and polished. I put it in the car today, set the timing at 10 deg. BTDC and then waited for the snow showers to stop. :roll:

It finally dried up enough this afternoon to take the Z out for a test drive. I have to say, it really made a difference. The rebuild and the recurving of the timing advance really helped. I can pull 6500 RPM now without hesitation or power loss. She runs smoother at idle and no pinging under load either!

It was $200 well spent. I would highly recommend using AD if you have any distributor issues.

Merry Chsitrmas and Happy HolidayZ

Author:  Frank T [ Mon Dec 24, 2018 9:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

And a very happy Zeason to you! Sometimes you just have to buy your own best gift.

Author:  HowardJ [ Mon Dec 24, 2018 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Early Z distributor rebuild

Hi John. I'm glad to hear that Santa delivered early for you and that the distributor rebuild has cleared up the issues that you've been having. A proper running Z is always a joy and driving one puts an oversiZed smile on your face. Enjoy it.

Z Lovers: HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY ZEASON and a HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Howie

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