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MG TD TF 1500 - Pertronix

Hi there,
I wanted to convert the distributor from TD26681 to pertronix. And I realized that installed is a distributor of DKYH4A from 1950. Is this ok?
I ordered the Pertronix kit LU-146, but the magnetic ring does not fit on the cam

regards
Georg


Georg Becker

george,
I can't really answer your question, but there have been a few failures in Petronix units,, and some have switched back to the good 'ol reliable points,,,,
I know there are also some out there that say they don't have any problem with them,,,

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

TC and early TD dizzy used one of two very rounded cams, while the later ones an almost square one. Likely you have the kit for the later one. Somewhere there are pictures of the different cams that will demonstrate. I have run the Petronix since they came out with no problems. From the TABC list: "Model DKYH4A - This model was not originally fitted to the TC, TD or TF but is suitable for use in any engine. The length from center line of drive gear to the bottom of the distributor is 2-3/8", therefore, for the TC and early TD use the TD clamp only without the 1/8" Spacer ring. Resultant "in block" length to center line drive gear is then 2-3/8" - 1/8" = 2-1/4" For the late TD and TF use the early TD 1/8" spacer ring only and lock the distributor by the cut-out side cotterbolt lock bolt." George
George Butz

This help any?


David Sheward

Above is from the WSM.
I have a theory on Petronix, IMHO:
Seems I have only heard of problems with "newer" units.
Mine has been on for 12+ years with no issues.

Like many products...I can't help but wonder if "popularity" caused "outsourcing"? I have seen instances of this that tend to lower quality in other products.

I'm sure you know this, but don't forget Petronix are polarity sensitive. Smoke comes out in short order if wrong unit!
David Sheward

I looked in the Pertronix catalog and the 146 is the number listed for your dizzy. It is possible the cam could have been changed at some point? Look at the pictures Dave has above, that should help. George
George Butz

Georg, the present Pertronix Ignitor for your distributor is their LU-146LS. The LS indicates a lobe sensor design and does not use the magnet sleeve. For a positive ground system the number is LU-146LSP12. I'll have to dig out an older Pertronix catalog to see which version the LU-146 would function with.

Found my old catalog: the LU-146 is listed for DXY4A distributors with suffix from E-Z. The LU-146M is for DXY4A with suffix from A-D with asymetric point cam.

Except for when I discovered the rotor-hight issue,
(see http://www.ttalk.info/Failure.htm for that one), I've had nothing but good results from Pertronix. My original points are still in the tool box. Bud
Bud Krueger

I recently installed and had the same problem, and when talking to the tech side they indicated you might have to use a blade to shave off the flats on the pickup. If you measure across the corners it is fine but the mold seems to leave the flats to too narrow. Use an exacto tool to scrape the walls of the inside of the pickup until it fits with an interference fit. tedious but patience will pay off. if you are not careful and try to use to much pressure such as a hammer to install you will split the pickup. Several years ago had the same problem and used the same technique. you must get the pickup to completely seat or it will interfere with the cap. The good news if you break it has been my experience they will replace it free. Good luck once installed works great. Just make sure you wire it up correctly and there have been numerous threads covering that subject for neg and pos grd cars.

cheers bob
R Brown

6000 miles in four seasons with Pertronix in my TF
Never an issue. After converting to neg ground last winter
I now use the lobe sensor variety, where one size fits all T cars as I remember.

REGARDS,

Jan
Jan Kristoffersen

This thread was discussed on 26/09/2013

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