43d4 Distributor Positions

[LaikaTheDog]

further to my other posts I have now stripped back my carbs and pulled the distributor to discover that I have a 43D4 dizzy

for JackJabba the details are;
41471F
43D4 3091

according to the manual I need to reinsert the distributor with the pulley timing at TDC with the terminal facing the block and the electrode facing the rear cap mounting lug.

If I do this I cannot get the dizzy cap on as the outputs for the HT leads foul the inlet manifold.

Is there an accepted way to insert the 43D4 dizzy into the block to ensure that timing is correct ? (a picture of a 43d4 setup in a block would be nice !)

should my pulley mark actually be at 12 degrees BTDC for this insertion ? (i have established that the mark is true TDC)

guidance, as always gratefully recieved...

[david.g.chapman]

Laika,

It does not matter where the distributor is physically, as long as the rotor arm is pointing to number one plug lead at 12 degrees before TDC for your Weber/Dellorto (I assume) setup. Just find the position that suits you best!

Dave Chapman.

[asc]

Laika Setting method I have always used - as per Club Lotus seminar is No 1 cylinder on TDC firing stroke, set the distributor bodies plastic pigtail (as its commonly known) at 12 o clock and the rotor arm at 10 o clock, this is with the distributor body fully home, you may need a couple of attempts to set this position as the rotor rotates on the helical gear as its inserted, At this stage rotor arm should point to No 1 cylinder on the distributor cap, then set your timing for 12 deg BTDC statically- you can strobe it after wards if required. Above commonly known as the 10 to 12 method. Hope this helps. Tony

[LaikaTheDog]

Thanks everyone for your help on this, I have now discovered that it does not matter at all how to drop the dizzy in, what does matter is where the electrode arm is in relation to the cap, you just need to make sure that the engine is 12 degrees before TDC when inserting the dizzy and that the electrode arm ponts to the HT point for number one.

car now runs fine, so thankyou for your advice everyone