Electronic Ignition

[Anonymous]

I am thinking of changing from points to electronic ignition on my Slough built Light 15 (1948). I know there must be people on the forum who have made this conversion.
Any advice please.

[Anonymous]

I just fitted a 123 distributor to my Normale this evening to replace my dying, presumably original one. Easy job – most time taken up cleaning the old parts. The only thing was that the rotor arm is fitted 180 degrees out from my original one which confused me for a bit when inserting it in the hole. Engine fired up first time and runs smoother (at idle) than I have ever heard it. A post mortem on the old dizzy will probably show why. I haven’t properly set the timing yet or gone for a drive. It looks similar to the old one – just has one extra wire. So far very pleased.
Chris

[Anonymous]

Also worth looking at if you don’t want to go the whole hog is breakerless ignition from Jolley engineering down west somewhere. I’ve used it for about 5 years and it’s great and pretty much maintainance free. Very simple to fit.

[Anonymous]

When I got my car it had a ‘Powernition’ distributor fitted. That ran well until it simply ‘died’ electronically and I couldn’t find anyone to repair it, so replaced it with a “123” unit as I didn’t have an original distributor to put back in.

With a ‘breakerless’ kit, if the electronics failed it’s a simple job to swap the old points and condenser back in, but you will still have a distributor with some wear in it so is unlikely to be 100% perfect unlike a new electronic distributor.

Electronic ignition is undoubtedly better, which way to go though, breakerless kit or replacement distributor, that’s one of those questions everyone will have a different opinion on.

[Anonymous]

Interesting. Dave and Chris, did you fit it with or without vacuum advance?
Thanks, Norman

[Anonymous]

Without Norman (on both the Traction and DSuper) as the advance curve is built in and you simply set the correct engine ‘curve’ via a small screw to whichever setting your car requires.

There is a guide included and the distributor normally arrives pre set for a Perfo engine. You may need to select another curve for the 11D but I don’t have the instructions to hand.

I know the setting makes a difference as the one in my DSuper was set to Perfo when I bought the car so had to change it to a DY engine………..

[Anonymous]

I have the vacuum advance connected. For no particularly intelligent reason except that’s what was there before – except it broke off the old distributor about 10 years ago. I’ve been driving without it ever since and not noticed the difference. Next job is to set up the timing properly and see how it really goes. First thing is to repaint the timing mark on the pulley which seems to have disappeared. Must use better quality masking tape this time.

Some more 123 related chat on aussifrogs…
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/citro%EBn-forum/122749-123-ignition.html

Chris

[Anonymous]

The Club lists an electronic ignition in the spares list under the title ‘Electronic Ignition Classic Power’. How does this compare with the 123 or is this a 123?

[Anonymous]

Don’t know if it’s the same unit as the club sell, but I ordered directly from the Netherlands. Even with the 15 Euro courier charge, it still worked out way cheaper. Ordered it with the coil, plugs and leads. Arrived today and looks to be very well built. Look forward to getting it fitted.

[Anonymous]

I am buying some spares from Jose Franssen – includes 2 single cv joint 11BL driveshafts – and am saving £150.

[Anonymous]

I have the 123 distributor with vacuum advance. Got it from CAS at a good price. Not fitted yet as I am in middle of spraying the car.

[Anonymous]

Re vacuum advance
Does the club 123 distributor have a vacuum advance unit fitted???

[Anonymous]

I’ve forwarded the question to Chris T.

Chris

[Anonymous]

Chris T replied that he is no longer selling the 123 distributor as he has had too many failures. He said he has had units returned that have failed on fitting and after a period of time.
Of course 123s are available from other suppliers, with and without vacuum advance.
I have one, with vacuum advance. I think I have now done about 300 miles with it – so far very pleased.
Chris

[Anonymous]

A friend had problems with a 123 so changed it for a CSI. Also made in Holland and I understand it as a bit of a 123 copy but made to work with a Lucas base. Denis Welch Motorsport (race Healys) are the font of all knowledge on them if anyone interested.

[Author]

Posts