Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

So I?m trying to time the car. Have removed dizzy to check points etc, when mounting it back in I notice it doesn?t fit fully flush with the clamp. There?s about a 3mm gap (hopefully in the red box in this picture).

I can?t remember how flush it was coming off; can anyone assist ? So long as the clamp stops the dizzy from turning, will it be ok on the jack shaft ?

richardcox_lotus wrote: So long as the clamp stops the dizzy from turning, will it be ok on the jack shaft ?]

No, the gear will not engage fully, loosen off the clamp and push the distributor deeper down. The clamp has probably slipped into the grove for the O ring on the distributor body, it may help if you loosen the small bolt that secures the clamp to the block, this should help to centralize the distributor body in the clamp. Rotate the distributor to and fro while pushing it down.

Thanks Brian. The distributor is as far down as I could get it. I guess I?ll keep jiggling.

Ooooer missus.

That?s sorted.

Now the starter motor is kaput. It?s only lasted 25 years. Do you think I can get a refund?

Richard, what was the solution? More jiggling?

Hi Greg. I withdrew the dizzy again, applied the clamp directly to it, then reinserted the whole lot and tightened up the clamp to block bolt. I have thin fingers so that was an option for me.

Car?s still not starting, but that?s a whole other issue - see my associated thread on starter motor.