RESOLVED: Removal of Lucas Distributor - How?

[PJAB]

Hi Everyone

I am taking a Jaguar V12 engine to bits as a massive learning project. I have no previous experience of working with engines - so inevitably there are some pretty basic things that I do not know!

The current one involves the Lucas distributor. I want to take it out - but I am struggling. Getting the cap off is obviously easy - but freeing it up so that I can lift it out of the block is proving far more troublesome.

When the cap is removed, I see the rotor arm and a translucent yellow plastic cover for the internals of the distributor. Reading the ROM (which isn’t as clear as I had hoped) hasn’t really helped me.

Should the rotor arm just pull off? I have tried but it seems to be stuck on - and I don’t want to apply excessive force if it isn’t actually meant to be able to be pulled off.

If not - how do I free up the distributor so that I can pul it out of the block?

Thanks and all the best

Peter

[mike020150]

The V12 distributor can be awkward to work on. Yes, the rotor arm does just pull off. The HE models have a reputation for sticking bob weights (below the plastic shield), so make sure you lubricate and test them while working on the unit. To remove the distributor, turn the engine to align the timing marks for No 1 cylinder. then, you will be able to use an allen key to release the three socket headed bolts holding the distributor body in place. You will have to ease the body upwards as you unscrew the bolts. Mike.

[PJAB]

HI Mike

Thanks for your advice. I am away today but I will try following your advice when I get home.

I obviously need to become more familiar with the distributor - finding the bob weights and those Allen headed bolts.

OOI, I read somewhere that on the HE model (which this engine is), you do not need to align cylinder 1 to TDC. Apparently you do on pre-HE engines. This distinction seems odd - do you think there is any truth in it?

If I should align cylinder 1 - could you “remind” me where the timing marks are, please? Apologies - I am a real newbie to taking an engine apart - I am doing it to finally learn in more detail how they work!

Thanks

Peter

[davidr]

Hi Peter - can I ask what year your car is? I’m confused that your signature says the car is 1990 but you have Lucas ignition. From 1989 onwards the Magnetti Marelli system was fitted.
Regards
David

[PJAB]

Hi David

Nice to read from you. I hope you are well. Good question - I should have explained!

I bought a “spare” engine too take to bits and understand - and put back together. It is an HE I am told - yet to be verified! My road car is indeed a 1990 HE with Magnetti Marelli ignition. I think it is from the 1989 model year - I have yet to work that out! It turns out that it is out of Daimler rather than a Jaguar - but I think that the only difference if the two labels on the cam covers.

Maybe I should amend my “signature” information at the bottom of my postings?

Thanks

Peter

[PJAB]

Hi Everyone

Well - as you can see from the amended title of this thread - I have now managed to remove the rotor arm and sense that lifting the distributor out of the block should be fairly straightforward. We shall see.

I managed to remove the rotor arm as much by luck as anything. I just pulled it up evenly on each side - so that it would rise squarely and not jam itself (a bit like removing the cylinder heads but on a much smaller scale!). Once I felt a small amount of release - and having read these posts - I knew that it was “safe” to keep pulling - i.e. I wasn't going to damage anything.

Removing the yellow translucent plastic - called a Flash Guard apparently - I can now see into the distributor clearly and access the fasteners securing to the engine block. I am very pleased - thanks as ever for everyone’s contributions.

Peter