Club 80-90 Forums

I've just changed the rotor arm in the distributor of my t25 and now can't get it started again...

I started the van before changing - OK, then put in the new one - turning over but won't start, tried putting the old (knackered) one back in, same problem. Same when put the new one back in.

What could be the problem? The manual implies it could be something to do with the timing if the engine has turned over (which I'm pretty sure it hasn't) but I'm not sure I understand what it's saying. Have done this job a few times before on previous van and never had a problem.

Only had the van less than a week and already my second post on here any help much appreciated!

Make sure rotor arm pushed home and that cap is located properly (theres a cutout in dizzy rim). Other than that, perhaps you've disturbed a wire?

CovKid wrote:Make sure rotor arm pushed home and that cap is located properly (theres a cutout in dizzy rim). Other than that, perhaps you've disturbed a wire?

Yep my thoughts too - disturbed the HT lead from the coil?
2nd post in a week....Dont get disheartened - nature of the beast and half the fun!

Could be plug on side of dizzy. Make sure it's pushed fully home, and should have a retaining clip to secure it.

Yep, keeping them alive is fun! I need to learn more about the mechanics side though...

Will double check all HT leads tomorrow in the daylight - sounds like a reasonable solution, as otherwise don't see how changing an easy bit like this would stop it working.

Pop the old one back.

I recently had an ignition problem and changed my rotor arm for one I had in a box.
The "new one" fitted but pointed in the opposite direction, and obviously didnt work.
I dont know where the "new one" came from, or how long I've had it, or what car I originally bought it for.

T

^^^ see op!

Ooops.

Could be the cap. A T2 I worked on had that problem. The centre tit that presses against the top of the rotor arm can go open circuit to the centre HT connector, a few garages had not found it on that T2. If not that, trace through as explained in haynes, get some rubber gloves ready. HTH, Bri

I think some new dist caps and rotors come with some kind of protective coating on them. I replaced the cap on the Landy the other week, and the bloody thing WOULD NOT start for love or money. Nothing else seemed to be the issue, there was a spark at the coil and the end of the king lead, but not at the plugs. Eventually, after spinning it and spinning it and spinning it and spinning it and swearing at it, it fired and ran sweet as a nut. It's been flawless since. <shrug>

Fixed it! While getting of the little clamps that held the cap in place I had dislodged a wire next to the distributor.... Easy to see in the light, but thanks for your help otherwise it's not necessarily what I would have looked for.