
So this is a 2l CU engine....
I have checked and checked that I am at TDC on number one (while the rocker covers were still off I watch the valves, I felt for compression and check the timing mark on the fan, I even stuck a screwdriver into the plug opening to feel the top of the piston) and the angle of the distributor drive is correct according to Haynes (and more importantly according to sarran1955). Yes the “small half” is away from the mounting bolt.
I then align the rotor arm with the notch on the distributor body.
And then... try and fit... but I can’t... the vacuum unit is hitting the fan housing. I have to rotate the body anti clockwise about 20 degrees. I have looked at the photo I took before and the vacuum unit is near the fan housing.
The drive must be in the wrong place.. but it looks correct.
I then started looking on the wiki and the first photo I find has the distributor in the same place. Good start.. Then I notice that the vacuum hoses are connected the other way. On mine the “cone” side was connected to the idle pipes and the flat (closed to body) side was connect to the LH carb.
I just know I am missing the blindingly obvious.. Please some one point it out!!