Contact breaker points renewal (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)

1 Spring back the retaining clips or undo the screws as appropriate and lift off the distributor cap.

2 Withdraw the rotor arm from the distributor shaft.

3 On the Bosch distributor disconnect the contact breaker points LT lead at the spade connector. On the Lucas distributor ease the contact breaker spring arm out of the plastic insulator and slide the combined LT and condenser lead out of the hooked end of the spring arm.

4 Undo the retaining screw and withdraw the contact breaker points from the distributor baseplate. Take care not to drop the screw and washer inside the distributor during removal and refitting. If possible use a magnetic screwdriver, or alternatively, retain the screw on the end of the screwdriver using a dab of grease.

5 Wipe clean the distributor cam, then apply a trace of high-melting-point grease to the four cam lobes. Also, on OHV engines apply two drops of light oil to the felt pad at the top of the distributor shaft.

6 Locate the new contact breaker points on the baseplate and secure with the retaining screw, lightly tightened only at this stage. On the Lucas distributor ensure that the secondary movement cam is engaged with the peg, and that both washers are refitted with the retaining screw (see illustration 13.6b).

7 Reconnect the LT lead, then refer to Section 13 and adjust the contact breaker points gap.

    See also:

    Maintenance - bodywork, underside and fittings
    The general condition of a vehicle’s bodywork is the one thing that significantly affects its value. Maintenance is easy but needs to be regular. Neglect, particularly after minor damage, can lead ...

    Braking system
    The braking system is of the dual circuit hydraulic type with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. A diagonally split dual circuit hydraulic system is employed in which each circu ...

    Engine oil cooler - removal and refitting
    Note: Suitable sealant will be required on refitting - see text. Removal 1 Remove the engine oil filter (Chapter 1). 2 Note the angle at which the coolant hoses are set, then disconnect the hoses ...