QuestionQUESTION: I have a stupid question...I need to replace my distributor what are the correct steps to complete that...also do I have to replace the plugs...maybe 700 miles on them..I am replacing the distrib. because one of the wires is not connected.
ANSWER: Josephine,
I need some more information before I can attempt to answer this question.
Which model Triumph are we referring to?
What year was the car built?
Is it a stock distributor or an aftermarket unit?
On the pre-electronic ignition cars there really is only one low tension wire (white with black striping) and the high tension leads, one to each cylinder plus the lead from the coil.
On the cars with electronic ignition there should be a connector that keeps all the associated wires together.
As to the plugs, it's worth pulling them and cleaning/regapping them, especially if the car was run with the ignition failing.
Let me know the answers to the above questions and we'll see if we can get this straightened out.
Cheers,
Jim
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I have a 1980 Spitfire 1500, I believe the engine is a '73 the distributor is a Lucas and it is electronic. This engine is rebuilt just picked it up and after driving it home and doing some short drives this backfiring started. When looking at the plugs and wires I noticed that one was mostly out and the wire covering and wires within where not connected...so I assume I need new wires and the distributor cap.
Thanks for your help!
ANSWER: Josephine,
Let's review and agree on some basic terminology so I can be sure I understand what your real question is.
Distributor body: bolted to engine, lower end connects via geared adapter to camshaft and oil pump.
Distributor cap: Plastic (or bakelite) cap held to the distributor with 2 metal clips. Has 5 wires coming out of it- 1 to each sparkplug plus 1 connecting the distributor to the coil on the firewall.
Spark Plug: Bolted into cylinder head and connected to the Distributor with a spark plug lead (spark plug wire)
Spark plug lead (spark plug wire) connects between distributor cap and spark plug.
Having gone over that, are you saying the spark plug wires are loose? If so, they can simply be pushed back onto the cap and/or the spark plugs. If needed, the metal connnector pieces in boths ends of the wires can be tweaked for a tighter fit.
If that's not what the real question is, please let me know.
Cheers,
Jim
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Okay, thanks for clearing things up I agree with the terms. Now, this is what happen, one of the spark plug lead came off. When looking at it, you see a very small wire that has broken...I think I just need to replace that spark plug wire/lead. The question is, can I just replace one spark plug lead? Does it have to be the same brand? If I have to replace all the leads/wires do they have to match the distributor cap? I just don't know if it is okay to mix brands.
Thanks again,
Josephine
PS
I can't tell you how much I have already learned from you..thank you
AnswerJosephine,
Ok, glad we're clear on the terms.
As to replacing the plug wires, there's a reasonable chance that a local autoparts store will either have something that fits or can order it.
The wire ends are fairly standard (used on most cars of the 1950s through today), the real key is finding wires that are close to the correct length. And the distributor caps for the Spitfire will all take the same type of spark plug wire connector.
If you can't find any locally, there are some good mail order sources for Triumph parts. A good list is posted on the Vintage Triumph Register website. www.VTR.org
Cheers,
Jim
