Electronic Ignition

[easydebt]

Two issues I had with my 123 (non-Tune version in a standard 9:1 4.2, manual, run on 97 octane or 95 + Valvemaster Plus):
I found that being a physically smaller distributor than the original is good in one way, but trying to fit the cap on with the HT leads attached was very hit-or-miss, the leads are so close-coupled they made it difficult to articulate the cap to get it on square. Not helped by the generic Beru cap only having one small locating lug and small fiddly spring clips, compared to the original's two huge locating lugs and meaty spring clips. I thought it was on securely but after a few miles my cap dislodged. I refitted it with the leads off to make damn sure, then replaced the leads whilst applying constant pressure on the cap, no problems since in 1500 miles.
Next the 123 does seem to send the tacho haywire on the S2 (or XJ6), they feed the +ve lead from the ign sw to the coil through the tacho and it measures the RMS waveform 'pulses' caused by the -ve side making/breaking at the points (or in the 123). The instructions show to just join the +ve feed to the 123 in to this circuit, the spare +ve terminal on the coil being the easy way. Presumably as the 123 gives constant dwell time, it has to adjust the current to the coil by variable resistance? that's a guess but whatever it mucks up the tacho. My solution was to wire the 123 direct to the back of the ign sw, at the spare ign only terminal. The wire goes from the sw, through the bulkhead via the grommet in the pedal box, facing the nearside (rhd), then follows the oil pressure sender wire under the carbs. I wasn't convinced technically but it works. The 123 itself has markedly improved starting and smoother running, it doesn't really do anything a perfectly set up conventional points system wouldn't, but there of course is the rub.

[easydebt]

Two issues I had with my 123 (non-Tune version in a standard 9:1 4.2, manual, run on 97 octane or 95 + Valvemaster Plus):
I found that being a physically smaller distributor than the original is good in one way, but trying to fit the cap on with the HT leads attached was very hit-or-miss, the leads are so close-coupled they made it difficult to articulate the cap to get it on square. Not helped by the generic Beru cap only having one small locating lug and small fiddly spring clips, compared to the original's two huge locating lugs and meaty spring clips. I thought it was on securely but after a few miles my cap dislodged. I refitted it with the leads off to make damn sure, then replaced the leads whilst applying constant pressure on the cap, no problems since in 1500 miles.
Next the 123 does seem to send the tacho haywire on the S2 (or XJ6), they feed the +ve lead from the ign sw to the coil through the tacho and it measures the RMS waveform 'pulses' caused by the -ve side making/breaking at the points (or in the 123). The instructions show to just join the +ve feed to the 123 in to this circuit, the spare +ve terminal on the coil being the easy way. Presumably as the 123 gives constant dwell time, it has to adjust the current to the coil by variable resistance? that's a guess but whatever it mucks up the tacho. My solution was to wire the 123 direct to the back of the ign sw, at the spare ign only terminal. The wire goes from the sw, through the bulkhead via the grommet in the pedal box, facing the nearside (rhd), then follows the oil pressure sender wire under the carbs. I wasn't convinced technically but it works. The 123 itself has markedly improved starting and smoother running, it doesn't really do anything a perfectly set up conventional points system wouldn't, but there of course is the rub.

[malcolm]

It was confusing the first time I read it easydebt!

[easydebt]

I tell you what Malcolm, save it for your next victim, eh there's a good boy.
(PS in case anyone feels my response to be inappropriate, don't worry, because I won't be back. I should heed the advice of friends, don't go on forums because it's not long before the idiots start to surface).

[politeperson]

I understand what you mean, seems clear to me.

[Mark Gordon]

I tell you what Malcolm, save it for your next victim, eh there's a good boy.
(PS in case anyone feels my response to be inappropriate, don't worry, because I won't be back. I should heed the advice of friends, don't go on forums because it's not long before the idiots start to surface).

Wow!

[christopher storey]

Alan : I am sorry that you were offended by Malcolm's post. What you may not have appreciated is that you posted it twice, and I think it was this he was pulling your leg about . If you come back i am sure you will receive reasonable replies

Christopher Storey

[malcolm]

As Christopher says, it was a fun leg pull because you posted the same thing twice - something I've done many times. But if you're that sensitive, and that rude when someone is having a bit of fun, you're probably right to go.

[JagWaugh]

As Christopher says, it was a fun leg pull because you posted the same thing twice - something I've done many times. But if you're that sensitive, and that rude when someone is having a bit of fun, you're probably right to go.

I'm with you on that.

[mgcjag]

Malcolm has been posting on the forum a few years now and always been welcoming and friendly....think you just misenterpreted his post.......

[Gfhug]

I should heed the advice of friends, don't go on forums because it's not long before the idiots start to surface).

Seems to be he classes himself as one, for he's obviously not appreciated just how helpful and friendly this forum is. Plus there's a nice bit of fun to help it all along.

Perhaps anyone else new to the forum should read through this part and some of the welcomes that have been given to new people where the helpfulness, friendliness and fun parts of being on the forum are highlighted.

Geoff

[Nickleback]

I tell you what Malcolm, save it for your next victim, eh there's a good boy.
(PS in case anyone feels my response to be inappropriate, don't worry, because I won't be back. I should heed the advice of friends, don't go on forums because it's not long before the idiots start to surface).

Amazing reaction / attitude with a sweeping generalisation

Could'nt be more opposite to what this forum is all about, shame ?

[Heuer]

Very disappointing to read this. He has been a member for a mere 11 days and made a total of 5 posts including the offensive one - hardly a good track record. As someone has already pointed out this is a friendly Forum providing invaluable advice available no where else. Maybe he will return and apologise; if not he can look elsewhere for help. Owning an E-Type without access to the Forum can be a very lonely and expensive experience.

[malcolm]

Thanks for the support

[AshM]

I feel slightly anxious as it was my post that got the replies and then caused the unfortunate incident.

All I can say is that I have only been a member for a short while and have been delighted by all of the genuine support and help that people offer. Like everyone else I am sure, there are aspects of my E Type maintenance where I am confident and then other areas where I want advice. This is the perfect forum to ask for that.

And I really like the friendly feel that it has; more of a club than a forum.

Best
Ash

[malcolm]

You don't need to feel anxious at all Ash. It wasn't your post that caused the issue

[Mark Gordon]

You don't need to feel anxious at all Ash. It wasn't your post that caused the issue

And Malcom, it really wasn't your post that caused an issue. It was the irrational reponse from Mr. Price that has stirred the hornet's nest. It was quite obvious that your post was made in good natured jest and that no offense was intended nor should have been taken. The members of this forum bend over backwards to avoid being offensive and if a posting is misinterpreted as such, an immediate apology is offered. That can't be said for some other forums that I use even though those forums (fora?) for the most part do keep it civil. For Mr. Price to take offense and then go into the attack mode with insults is way out of line. Personally, if he does not come back, I would not miss him. My main regret with E Type UK is that I live on the opposite side of the Pond and can't attend your get togethers and meet the fine people face to face.

[chrisfell]

I feel slightly anxious as it was my post that got the replies and then caused the unfortunate incident.

All I can say is that I have only been a member for a short while and have been delighted by all of the genuine support and help that people offer. Like everyone else I am sure, there are aspects of my E Type maintenance where I am confident and then other areas where I want advice. This is the perfect forum to ask for that.

And I really like the friendly feel that it has; more of a club than a forum.

Best
Ash

The clue to his behaviour are the words "I should heed the advice of friends, don't go on forums....". One imagines such friends know him very well.

[Heuer]

Ash and Malcolm - no one here is blaming either of you for Alan Price's outburst.

[Hugo]

You want confusing? Now THIS is confusing; I fitted a Powerspark electronic distributor to my wife's Morris Minor (yes I know it's not an E-Type, but the ign is pretty much identical). At least I THINK it was a Powerspark - it was an electronic distrubutor at any rate, and the strangest thing happened; when I cranked the engine over, it would kick back violently - so violently I feared it might break the crank.It would start on the handle and it would run perfectly, but starting it with the starter motor was just terrifying. These old BMC engines are as tolerant as they come, and with the original points distributor back in I advanced the timing to see how far it would go without trouble. I got up to something ridiculous like 40 degrees, and it would start & run ok. But put the electronic distributor back in, with the correct timing, and it would kick back on the starter every time. The suppliers even sent me another distributor but it was just the same. I never established the cause scientifically, but somebody on a forum came up with a theory that I am going with; the distributor is located close to the starter, and somebody suggested that the heavy starter current passing so close to the distributor was triggering random sparks. I don't know if this has any relevance to E-Types, but I thought I'd throw it in anyway. Never did find a solution though - back on points still.