Running problems / Breakdown and Backfiring

Post by **Jack-the-Bug** » 25 Jul 2007, 08:18

Hi there

Travelling along the M25 quite happily went over a slight bump in the road and lost all power and ground to a halt with a few back fires.

We have a 1980 (air) 1600CT (engine CT 092 032X)

We took distributor cap off and it seems to be all loose. I am not that mechanically minded but the rotor arm was able to be pushed down and the shaft clicked back in.

Started up fine drove a bit and just seems to jump off and the internal bits are spinning freely and timing is all out. Got recovered home now stuck in the drive.

Sorry if I'm not very clear, had a couple of people's advice and they are suggesting replacing Distributor.

It's the one with the funny little plug on the side that goes to ign amplifier and idle stabilising thingy.
Numbers on side 044 Z414 0237 023 005 070 905 205

anyone know where I can get one and anyone able to offer help/advice about sorting this out? Some people suggested checking earth leads and starter etc. as well?

I am open to any suggestions ( and yes I know it's a 1600 but it normally runs very sweet)

Your help is appreciated and there is always the offer of beer or of course that other currency money

Sorry if this ain't enough info but it's hopefully a start

Post by **VWCamperfan** » 25 Jul 2007, 09:59

I have exactly the same set-up as yourself CT engine and electronic ignition. I have noticed that the distributor only just locates into the gear wheel in the engine block. If the plate which holds the dizzy in place is slightly bent up or loose, the distributor drive shaft will 'jump out' and timing will be lost. The only other thing I can think of at the moment is a little pin that sits through the bottom of the distributor shaft with a coiled sprind around it, bit hard to see if oily but it may have broken. worth a look anyway.

Good luck anyway

Mark

Post by **HarryMann** » 25 Jul 2007, 10:50

Souns like the distributor shaft thrust bearing has worn juts a bit too much... guessing though.

You will have to take it out (mark its setting first, and note position of rotor arm when on TDC No.1) and inspect it I think, see why/how it is able to come up and out of engagement. (one suggestion is above)

Steve Shaw (Gasure) might be able to offer advice on this one..

Post by **Jack-the-Bug** » 26 Jul 2007, 18:01

Removed distrib and checked spring underneath seems ok. Refitted and tightened up etc. Timed etc.
Runs fine then pops out and all out of timing again, backfires and stops.
I think there is something up with distributor.

Anyone give me a recommendation as to where might have one

Thanks for the earlier replies.

Post by **richnewton** » 26 Jul 2007, 18:37

i have a spare dizzy you can have........its a points one though? came out of a spare ct engine i had. yours if you want it. badger i think has one aswell?