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The new electronic DK4 distributor

I had read the news of new DK4 electronic distributers being available, with the support of respected members of the A7 fraternity and about to embark on the first part of the Euro Tour as far as Salzburg and then beyond for a further 4 weeks and 300 miles in total I decided to purchase one from the preferred suppliers. I had been using a Bosch dizzy and while it had served through south, central and north America I had never been quite happy with its fit in my dynamo casing and I was not happy with its appearance.
The new dynamo appeared very promptly and was easy to fit and adjust in the week preceding the Tour. I did three journeys totaling 200 miles and the engine ran quieter and more sweetly than before. On Friday morning we set off from home, north of Oxford and got exactly 5 miles when the engine cut out.
I have had two days to think about my response to this event and have decided that I want to share the outcome with you in sadness, not the heat of anger I felt at the time.
After a quick diagnostic check around it was obviously the dizzy which was at fault and I changed it for my spare, the clockwork Bosch item. We returned home and I called the supplier, Accuspark at 12:05. Their technical department were surprised to hear of the failure and could offer no explanation which was not a surprise over the phone. I explained the circumstances and being prepared to accept that sometimes things just do not work, I suggested that I could make a diversion from my intended route and call at their premises in Hemel Hempstead to exchange the failed unit. This was agreed without much good grace but I was a believer in the product and wanted one for our six week trip. I said I could be there in about an hour and a quarter, approximately 13:30. The answer was that they would be closed for lunch between 13:00 and 15:00, so if I cared to call after that time they would exchange the unit.
As I was due in Dover and we had a long journey in front of us, this was unacceptable to me and I gave the circumstances again in detail, asking politely if it would be possible for someone to be there or the item to be left where I could collect it. The stoney answer was "sorry there is nothing we can do", which was repeated on several more occasions.
Defeated by the intransigence. I took the Bosch dizzy from my special as a spare and set off, nearly three hours later than intended and battled the now horrible traffic congestion and worsening weather to reach Dover at about 6.30pm.
I think the unit when working is a great improvement on the Bosch or a worn Lucas item and would have treated the failure as just one of those things. My reason for writing is to warn other potential purchasers only of the service provided by Accuspark.
Perhaps we are spoiled by the excellent service experienced from other suppliers and I am reminded of this by the current apology from Jamie at Seven Workshop, whilst ill. In my opinion, it is only my opinion, I am appalled by the indifference to their reputation, lack of care to a customer and apparent disregard of responsibility shown. I leave it to potential buyers to beware of this particular supplier, should you need after sales service or response.
We are now 103 miles into our 3000 mile Euro Tour and enjoying the open French roads again. Happy Sevening to all

Location: Valenciennes, northern France 750 MC Euro Tour

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I have very recently fitted this unit. Yes the "sweet spot" is at a higher speed and the engine runs smoothly and more quietly. The original Lucas dizzy is if course under the rear seat. My distrust is the curious electrical activity that the three brush dynamo creates, and whether that may expedite premature electronic failure. We know that digital voltage meters are not suitable for measuring while the dynamo is charging. My poshest DVM locks up and needs the battery removing to reset it if I measure the battery voltage with the engine running.

So far so good, but it's only a minimal mileage so far.

Two hour lunch hour at Accusparc? Trebles all round!

Roly

Location: Upton upon Severn

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Eeek! I had 7 delivered this week. one already on the Eurotour, travelling alongside Jack...

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I ordered one for my current build, it arrived quickly and I took advantage of the discount offer. I haven't fitted it yet as the engine is not ready to fire up. It's got the old dizzy in to allow me to time the engine for its first start.

My previous experience of an electronic conversion on a BMW engined Pembleton made me very glad I had packed the old "bean can" points set-up...

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I hope we get to find out the issues on that first unit - inevitably teething problems are going to occur and these are bound to be ironed out just because early adopters will be particularly rigorous at checking, comparing and recognising when things are not quite right. Its not in Accuspark's interests to not get things right for the longer term.

I'm intrigued at the "swop-over-ability" of having one of these as opposed to having a spare standard unit. Also whether they will confer any more mpg.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Can you not carry spare parts for these electronic dizzys?

Or is it a case of carrying a whole 'spare'?

Location: not north wales any more

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

hedd jones
Can you not carry spare parts for these electronic dizzys?

Or is it a case of carrying a whole 'spare'?


There are several suppliers of pointless bits. I've had very good luck with Petronix. I buy their items and do custom installs on my distributors ...... Set these up and run them for hours before installing them. Honest, never a problem. The only "part" is a small position sensor places 1.5mm from the highest point on the cam.

The fuel consumption is better. some of my junk has wide ratio gearboxes and they no longer stumble over the wide rev splits. Irreplacible caps seem to last forever

Remember I don't buy any kits or complete distributors but build my own.

Just my .02

Location: Poland

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

In answer to Hedd's point, I guess it's easier to replace a failed unit with a known one when you're stuck on the side of the road rather than trying to 'repair' it. That's better done when you are safely home and standing in front of your own bench. At least, that's the approach I would take

Location: Cambridge

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

My point is simply that a non electronic dizzy can be rebuilt in 10 minuites on the side of the road in terms of the important bits using the space taken up for a box for a spare cap and next to no weight.

I have two cars on the road. Neither has a complete spare dizzy in them in case of failiure.

It just seems to be a bit of a backward step in my opinion. Why change something that spares for are pleantifull (particularly for the Bosch 009)and repair is simple for something that if it goes wrong its fubared so you have to carry a complete spare.

Location: not north wales any more

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I'm with Hedd on this one.
In any case, I'm by no means an avid originalist but, IMHO, introducing year 2000 technology into a 1920s car when there is no safety improvement factor in the equation kind of destroys the whole rationale of driving a vintage car. What is the next step? Put in a modern engine with alternator, fuel injection, full electronic engine management etc. etc.
Sod it, why not scrap it and buy a Ford Fiesta!!!!

Ian Mc.

Location: Shropshire

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

To add my two penth, I am in total agreement with Hedd and Ian, as I have mentioned on other threads you can purchase all the parts you need to fully rebuild your DK4, or even a complete new non electronic unit. With regard to Accusparks customer service on another matter I found them appalling, the total arrogance, lack of flexibility and unwillingness to assist defied belief, I would not want to have to deal with then again.....ever!.....I am sure their their jobs would be so much easier if it was not for the dam customers!

Location: NZ

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I have a very large quantity of DK4 distributors so it might seem strange that I should look to purchase something else rather than stick with them. It is increasingly so, in my experience, that any wear in these now nearly 80 year old items show up to disrupt the smooth running of newly rebuilt engines.

The cost of a professionally rebuilt DK4 is in excess of £300.

The cost of new DK4 distributor cap, acorns, rotor arm, base plate, condenser and points alone is £89.

I cannot find a price for a new drive gear, re-bushing the body, new bob weights and the cost of a second hand DK4 + the time it takes to strip down, repair and rebuild - but that will need to be considered and added to the above parts as well.

I have had a Bosch distributor on the Ulster for many years - it is very reliable but I have never been happy with its ability to get to the top of the rev range properly (similar issues occurred with one I had fitted to a coil conversion on the Chummy - eventually cured by fitting a proper Blic magneto) and I have carried the various mods. suggested on the sites. In addition to this I have never liked the look of the distributor caps and HT connectors on the Bosch units, the black ones are a great improvement but still make my top lip start to curl. My experience of some of the newer Bosch units is that they are very weak and wear far too quickly.

The new electronic DK4 unit I have tried cost £87 all in, it improved the low-down power, tick over, acceleration and fuel economy - instantly. It also makes the engine run noticeably smoother right up through the rev range. I am utterly delighted with the transformation.

They look almost identical to the original unit and could be improved further by adding an original oiler, painting the body black and, if you felt the need, swapping the badge from the old unit onto it - all in about 10/15 minutes work and I shall almost certainly do this to the one I have.

I am watching the ones currently in use with great interest as longevity is yet to be proven but, based on my experience to date, I would still recommend them to anyone who is thinking of buying one to attain better running.

Completely separately to that, Jack's experience of the lack of after-sales support (I believe this was the real reason for his post) is really not good and I hope that the company involved do something to rectify the experience.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

In response to the several comments about why not rebuild a proper DK4, I agree with Ruairidh's assessment of cost and almost entirely his reasons for disliking the Bosch alternative.
I have no intention of entering an argument about "might as well fit fuel injection", I wonder if those that would argue that point have fitted modern crankshafts/oil filters/modern radiator cores/etc etc?
There is a point about safety which is that if the engine will run more reliably and need less maintenance then the likelyhood of breakdown in an unfortunate place or time could be less and I am all for that.
When working the electronic dizzy made the engine run more smoothly and sounded less harsh, if that in turn extends engine life and my driving comfort, then one could be a cost saving and the other an inducement to use the car more and who could argue against that?
I still do not have a beef with the unit, mine is I hope a hiccup, my unhappiness is only to do with the c**p response I received at the hands of the supplier, not something one comes across in general terms in the old car world, A7s in particular.
I have learned today that the units sold by Accuspark and others are in fact manufactured in Norfolk and that Accuspark are only a supplier. I am told that the MD of the manufacturer is likely to be more responsive, concerned as he is for his business.
Each to his own, what floats your boat etc. In my case after several extensive trips, including Buenos Aires to New York, I like my car to be as safe for me and others as possible. I fit flashing indicators, so others will know what I am doing, I have good electrics with enough power and reliability to see and be seen, from most perspectives the car looks like a 1933 Austin RP saloon and most importantly from my viewpoint it is about using the car extensively, to do what I enjoy, driving it, mostly as it was intended, without being a complete b****y nightmare to other road users.

Location: Valenciennes, northern France 750 MC Euro Tour

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

This thread has finally prompted me to purchase a couple of these - one for the Box, one for the Cabbie. The web site got confused when I tried to apply 2 discounts to 2 items, so I had to do it over the phone (which also caused a little confusion - I think their expectation was that each purchaser would only purchase i distributor and therefore only be entitled to one lot of discount).

Anyway, I took the opportunity to give them some independent feedback on their customer service issues (no names, no pack drill). Hopefully, they can learn from that..

Location: Cambridge

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

When I bought my MK11 Ruby I knew the engine required work. When carying out some initial work it was obvious the origonal Distributor had seen better days. I therefore bought, modified and fitted a "Bosch" type distributor, to be honest it was not much better than the worn Lucas unit and to me did not look right. I therefore did a re-build on the Lucas, bushes, springs, weld up the worn plates etc. and this gave quite an improvement.
I have recently carried out a complete rebuild of the engine using a Phoenix crank. SU Carb etc. and used initally the re-built Lucas distributor, however I thought it could possibly be a little better. I fitted a DK4 Powerspark D31PP positive earth distributor and the difference was really quite remarkable. It really transformed the engine, so much quiter and smoother. I know this is not origonal, but for me it looks OK, and much better than the Bosch unit. It appears to date to be reliable and a cost effective solution. My only observation is that it does not have a proper lubricator so I made one to suit. I would assume that Acuspark and Powerspark use the same manufacturer.

Location: Perthshire

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

If you don't already know of him try Googling Distributor Doctor. I was recently told of them and have had good reports from a new A7 owner who is also an MG man. Website is rather scathing about some of the repro stuff about and supplies dizzy items to original manufacturers' specs as well as rebuilding. Not cheap but good and reliable I'm told. He is also producing an electronic DK4 (his own manufacture?) which he is currently testing on his A7 special. I would like to visit as he is only 8 miles from me but I understand he is not too keen on callers.
Steve

Location: Deb'n

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

thought id see what people think before joining in.

i like the idea of new unworn parts.

and when the bosch 009 came out, it was good. well if you added an oiler, machined it so the gear went to the same position as austins etc.

but like everything, if you want to sell things. make it cheaper, in lesser quality materials. and you take over the sales.

so accuspark started making the bosch 009, and plenty of people complained. the sports world had rotor arms flying all over the place.

the new distrib, im sure will be made in china. and at a cheap price/ cheap materials etc. sorry its not for me.

only thing is we dont get much of an option with new parts for the old DK4. all the new bits come from china. the rotors fall apart as the rivet isnt fitted properly. the condensors only do 300 to 500 miles. the caps fit like a **** in a bucket.

for me its an original distrib, with new bushes. i can fit bushes for anyone wanting them. then use new old stock rotors, points, condensors, cap etc.

and it will still be running well after the new ones have exploded all over the place.

tony

Location: huncote

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I don't want to keep banging a drum here if no body wants to hear it, but I have to agree with Tony. I have used Distributer Dr a number of times and posted about him here, I have found him helpful over the phone and the quality of the products good. Understand Ruairidh's argument about commercial cost, I am capable of doing my own engineering so do not consider my time, it is all part of the hobby for me, and the cost of parts is minimal as I can make most. I just wanted to get the point across that there are other options to good running and reliability whilst retaining originality. I will also add that I have not tested an electronic item against one of my rebuilt units, should anyone wish to send me one I will test extensively and be completely objective reporting my findings
Right I will shut up now and say no more!

Location: NZ

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I would consider sending you one of the ones I have here Ian - email me and we can discuss this further as I cannot see we would think differently about he improvements, once tried. Longevity concerns me but somebody has to be the first to try these things

The one I fitted last week has now reached Switzerland - I am on the edge of my seat each night opening my email, as you can imagine! Surviving the journey will be a good test to start with.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

As previously indicated I fitted a Powerspark DK4 Dizzy to my Ruby. However if you look at the Powerspark FAQ page www.simonbbc.com/faq-page and scroll down there is a paragraph on Copper HT Leads, basically there is not enough resistance in the lead and recomend the use of Silicone leads, otherwise the life of the unit will be shortened.
I contacted the company and spoke to the Technical Rep.who confirmed this. I pointd out that it was bad they did not incude this information in the fitting instructions. He seemed a bit surprised that it was not incuded and was going to speak to the manager about this. I questioned him on fitting the "Acorn" ends to silicone leads he said it could be done by them and if I supplied the lengths required he would make them up for approx £30 delivered. The leads would have 90* plug covers fitted. I asked him about fitting the brass spade plug connectors to keep the apperance as period as possible, he did not know about these. I have ordered new spade ends and will send these to Powerspark to see how and if they can be fitted to the new leads. My thought is, according to their write up, it is the plug lead resistance that is important. If they can fit "Acorn" ends then surley they can fit spade ends for the plugs as the leads have been changed. Finally based on the above thread and information the new Dizzy's either Acuspark or Powerspark do not appear simply to be a direct replacement as claimed.

Location: Perthshire

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I too have purchased one of these distributors but haven't had time to fit it yet. Just as well since my Ruby didn't make it to Autokarna this weekend and got treated to a ride on the back of a low loader.

I contacted Accuspark about the HT leads and they recommended the silicone HT leads. I ordered a couple of metres from ebay and some right angled plug connectors. If you look at the Accuspark website under HT leads there is a useful video showing how to make up the leads. It seems they use brass spikes, as supplied with the plug connectors to make the connection, which are inserted into the core of the lead and folded over to make contact with the plug connector. I assume this can also be done with the tiny brass discs inside the acorns that also have a hole in the centre for the spike to pass through and then fold over?

Location: Doncaster

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

The life of the unit will be shortened by using copper leads? how, exactly? The HT side of the system involves the coil and the plugs, not the electronics of the distributor, which is in the LT circuit. I'm prepared to be educated, but it sounds like a plan to get you to spend another 30 quid to me.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I too had a discussion with Accusparc about suppressed HT leads, and as a result ordered a set which arrived the following day. In the meantime I fitted my original cap and leads which have suppressor plug caps. Previously my electronic flasher unit had ceased to flash but with the suppressed plug caps in use, now flashed as expected. So I guess interference from the unsuppressed copper ht leads must have stopped the flasher functioning. I made up the new leads and put them on the car. Started engine and flasher unit didn't work. Put the suppressor plug cap leads back on and flasher worked. I have fed this back to Accusparc that maybe their leads do not suppress as much as expected. In the meantime I am using the ugly suppressor plug caps.

Roly

Location: Upton upon Severn

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Hi Alan,
My Understanding is That Electomagnetic Interference can Cause problems with the Electronics in the distributor,
the same thing happens on moderns with computers.

Just my view
Colin

Location: TINOPAI NZ

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Colin Reed
My Understanding is That Electomagnetic Interference can Cause problems with the Electronics in the distributor, the same thing happens on moderns with computers.


so, in practice, does that mean that adding one of these is unwise unless one has a perfectly overhauled dynamo, as well as posh leads? What are the main sources of such interference?

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Ok. So what they have done is inadequately shielded the unit to cut costs?

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Better shielding is probably the real answer, but would clip on ferrites fitted to cables -as commonly used on electrical home entertainment equipment prevent problems?


Steve V.

Location: Polegate, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Alan
The life of the unit will be shortened by using copper leads? how, exactly? The HT side of the system involves the coil and the plugs, not the electronics of the distributor, which is in the LT circuit. I'm prepared to be educated, but it sounds like a plan to get you to spend another 30 quid to me.


The life of the unit being shortened by using copper leads? Often the case with aftermarket ignition modules unfortunately. The relatively high resistance and high frequency suppression of carbon string leads greatly reduces, but in my experience doesn't necessarily cure the dead electronics problem.

Whenever there's a spark at the spark plug, there will be a reflected high frequency pulse that goes back along your nice low resistance copper leads, then through the HT side of the coil, this is induced as a magnetic field in the coil's core, which in turn is induced as a high frequency pulse that goes back through the low tension side of the coil to the switch; the switch here is your aftermarket electronic gizmo.

OEM electronic units like GM or Lucas HEI have circuitry to effectively deal with the reflected pulse even when Copper leads are used (even though copper leads are not recommended with these systems). However, this is often not the case with aftermarket units _ I have learned this the hard way with two failures on my racing car; one of them as I was on the grid at Silverstone.

Location: N W Kent

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Being a bit thick, I bought a cheap set of silicone leads, cut off the ends that go into the coil pack, trimmed the insulation back, poked the floppy wobbly silicone inner through the acorn and washer and tightened the leads as normal. All worked fine without the need for a spike. I didn't think there would be an issue...

I pulled the boot back from the spark plug end and it appears that the silicone core is folded back before the connector is crimped, just as you would with copper. I'd be surprised if you couldn't fit spade ends in the same way... still at £30 it's probably not worth DIY.

Location: In the garden

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Ruairidh Dunford
Eeek! I had 7 delivered this week. one already on the Eurotour, travelling alongside Jack...


Well, the one above has just returned having provided perfect service on the Eurotour - can I relax yet?

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Dunno- but I've just bought one

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

At last Beaulieu autojumble I bought an Accuspark 'kit' for the MGB. Dizzy, coil, leads, plugs.

Strapped them on, fired up, Lovely smooth power. For a few minutes.

Then it started misfiring and it got worse and worse.

Eventually took it back to Accuspark this week (they are 30 miles from me) and they put the distributor on test - which I was able to watch. Without the cap on it all worked perfectly. As soon as the cap was put on it misfired - and that was with any cap not just the original. Really weird.

They ended up putting in a new triggering module and although I have yet to fit it I have seen it running fine on the test kit.

Just another chapter in the 'Don't entirely trust new bits' story book that we all know and love so well...

Location: North Herts

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Just a thought,I am not a great fan of things I cannot fix myself, but thinking about it I can't help wondering how a 7 would perform with a modern makeover ECU, coil pack, sensors and fuel injection, imagine running at maximum efficacy all the time! EFI kits are currently available so how long before some fits one to a Austin Seven?

Location: Pembrokeshire.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Ive just fitted on of these to my Box Saloon. I'm impressed.
My old distributor was already in good condition, and I was more interested in what might happen than expecting an improvement.
First of all, fitting was really easy, crank it to tdc on No1, take out the old unit, install the new one with the rotor arm pointing in roughly the right direction. Start it, and fiddle to get the timing right. (I always set it by ear anyway). Five minutes if that. The difference was amazing. First thing was how smooth the engine was, revving cleanly all the way up, then low speed torque is improved, and top speed is increased, too. Tick over is smoother, too, and you can set it so slow I'd swear you can count the revs. I can't comment about durability - I've maybe done 100 miles, but so far nothing to complain about.
Yes, I'm impressed, so much so I've now bought another.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

when does the special introductory offer end? I've never vacillated so much reading a thread week to week...

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I have just heard that the manufacturers are willing to replace my unit and have sort of apologised for the poor response I received at the hands of the suppliers, Accuspark.
It is confirmed that carbon leads are required. This would have definitely put me off buying one in the first place, I have yet to decide what I will do once home again in mid July.
I will continue to report back on this matter.
Incidentally my old Bosch unit has performed over the last 2,250 miles since leaving home without a hitch. You payes your money and takes your chances I suppose.

Location: Sorento, overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Nick
Being a bit thick, I bought a cheap set of silicone leads, cut off the ends that go into the coil pack, trimmed the insulation back, poked the floppy wobbly silicone inner through the acorn and washer and tightened the leads as normal. All worked fine without the need for a spike. I didn't think there would be an issue...



Until today... when a loss of power and a strange unbalanced chugging caused me to look for the reason for the missfire. Yup one silicone lead had come adrift at the acorn. A short strand of thin copper wire inserted in the centre and bent over, then normal service was resumed.

Location: Waiting for the bathroom

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Well I admit to being extremely sceptical about these units, believing that the only real advantage would be removing wear and maintenance. As I can rebuild and remake any worn components I could not see the point of replacement, I certainly was not expecting big performance gains over a sound std set up. However advice from Ruairidh and now Alan's post has made me stop and think again, I have decided to order one and will report back.

Location: NZ

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I have followed these posts with interest.
One of the great attractions of old cars is the relative simplicity and especially the total absence of electronics. (And I have a degree level qualification in! Albeit dated and mostly forgotten)

As Ian, I am/was very sceptical of gains, esp with original plug gaps.

A spark is a spark and for normal mixtures a very small spark suffices (giant aircraft engines had /have .012 gaps). To reasonable rpm a conventional system provides. Mixture is erratic at idle and light throttle and a large gap with suitable system assists. Modern cars run very lean mixtures, and huge plug gaps with fancy coils are necessary for regular running. Weak mixtures with Sevens undesirable as lose mousepower and promote seat wear.

My guess is/was that provided original distributor is not worn so timing is erratic, then any performance difference will be due to altered effective spark timing. Do the electronic distributors have an electronic advance?

What plug gaps are being used with the new distributors?

In everyday running I found that altering plug gap effectively alters advance effect.

Has anyone compared the HT running advance to see just what the real advance curve shows? Do those with good manual or manual override distributors report any betterment?

Location: Auckland, NZ

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

I fitted another to my father's Chummy on Saturday.

Before undertaking the swap I drove it to Beaulieu and back, the Bosch unit (fitted for the last 15 years or so) performed well but was slightly harsh. It was nice to see folks at the campsite there for a quick catch up, sorry to miss a few I would like to have met.

After the run I swapped to the electronic unit - once again the difference is quite noticeable, smooth running, low even tick over and crisp pick-up - carried my family to the wedding faultlessly.

I continue to be impressed.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Ruairidh
out of interest are you heeding the carbon lead advice, or just replacing unit and using with what is there? Sorry if I've missed this from earlier part of thread.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Ian McGowan
I'm with Hedd on this one.
In any case, I'm by no means an avid originalist but, IMHO, introducing year 2000 technology into a 1920s car when there is no safety improvement factor in the equation kind of destroys the whole rationale of driving a vintage car. What is the next step? Put in a modern engine with alternator, fuel injection, full electronic engine management etc. etc.
Sod it, why not scrap it and buy a Ford Fiesta!!!!

Ian Mc.


Couldn't agree more. I am trying to restore a veteran at the moment with single cylinder, atmospheric inlet valve, belt drive transmission etc. and I love the early thinking in car design, the Austin 7 seems modern by comparison.

Location: Stretham, Ely

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

JonE
Ruairidh
out of interest are you heeding the carbon lead advice, or just replacing unit and using with what is there? Sorry if I've missed this from earlier part of thread.


I have used the existing copper core leads for all the units.

👍

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Jon, this is the item installed:

https://flic.kr/p/V99HNp

I think one of the reasons it makes such a difference is that, unlike conventional points, it is firing every single time.

As I've mentioned before, my only hope is that longevity can be assured.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Bob's right in saying, for our motors, you don't need a wide plug gap and a super duper coil to fire them. The swirl that the side valve induction and head introduces plus the relatively rich mixture with what is a more volatile fuel means that the flame front is very quick and relatively little advance is needed compared to other engine designs. I suspect the big advantage in fitting a new distributor, be it one of the new DK4's, Bosch, fake Bosch or whatever - is how badly worn the original was and the reduction in points scatter. Points wear is eliminated by the new DK4 but an aditional risk of the electronics going phut is introduced - which is harder to fix by the side of the road (in the middle of nowhere, you're late, raining, dark, etc; you know the scenario).

I fitted a NOS 60's style Lucas distributor for a Relaint OHV to my Opal. Before changing over I checked the timing with a stobe light (something I've never used before). Despite the DK4 being in, what I thought, good condition; the timing was scattering around 4 degrees. The NOS has no discernable scatter. It does have slightly too much advance and I'm still trying to sort that out - but it goes well (thanks to Nick Lettington who prompted me on this solution).

But it doesn't look like a DK4, so the purists wouldn't like it - but to me it is a Lucas rather than of unknown origin. I suspect the other part of this discussion about originality will always come up when something different is being installed. We're all calibrated differently on this with the level of distance and reliability we're seeking being another factor. But I would claim there's no one can claim to be truly original, after all we all use modern fuel and lubricants at least, never mind modern cranks, steering arms, springs, etc. Each to his own, our cars are an expression of us as individuals.

Dave

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Hi Dave,

I agree, more or less, with everything you've written except the second half of your last sentence and hope that if I feel the need to express myself, I won't have to do it through my car.
I'm just off now to fit an electric motor to my gramophone, the wind up one will not produce exactly 78rpm all the time because it is over eighty years old and worn out.....maybe I could do something to improve the sound while I'm at it!! [ [ ]

Location: Stretham, Ely

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Dave,
The Lucas dist you have on your Opal; is it a 25D4 (40872 A/D)? I have one fitted on my RN and one on my pretend Ulster. Been working on both cars for 15 + years no problems. They were fitted to the 600cc Reliant Regal engine according to Reliant Regal tech data I have. Do you know where I can obtain new points and condensor from as it would be good to carry spares? I got them originally from Speedy Spares Services but they are no longer listed on their website. At least they have black caps and no nasty unrepairable electronics. I have manual adv/ret on both cars so scope for messing when driving. They also have vacuum adv/retard.
Dave.

Location: Sheffield

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Dave,

Holdens sell condensers, rotor arms and caps but don't list points. I think those type of distributors were also used on minis but not certain.

Speedy Spares is an awesome place - I used them regularly when I ran a 1973 Commer Highwayman.

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Dave,
Thanks very much. Will have a look.
Dave.

Location: Sheffield

Re: The new electronic DK4 distributor

Dave,
Forgot to mention that mini type is similar except it rotates the other way. A relative gave me one from his old mini so I could see that the body of the distributor would fit with hardly any mods.
Dave.

Location: Sheffield

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