123 Distributor Group Buy Thread, Replacement for NLA stock Dizzy's-Order 15 % Discount Options

[98101]

(double post)

[98101]

In case anyone's curious, here's how we got a manifold vacuum signal to the 123. The T on the left going down through the tin leads to my mechanical vacuum gauge on the dash (which came with the car). On the mechanical vacuum gauge the reading was a bit bumpy (even using two cylinders), but the 123 software seems to know how to dampen this (e.g. a low-pass filter), as it showed a steady signal in the 123 Tune app.

I'll probably add an inline fuel filter to smooth out the signal on my vacuum gauge.

Out of curiosity we also tried plugging into the Dellorto's vacuum port. It did indeed act like port vacuum, so not as useful for my purposes as manifold vacuum.

Doing family stuff today, so haven't yet configured a MAP curve.

Since manifold vacuum should go to zero at WOT, vacuum advance should have no impact on WOT performance (such as a dyno run). Vacuum advance should improve part-throttle performance, including drivability and fuel economy (since with the proper advance you need less pedal to cruise at a given speed).

[echocanyons]

Is anyone having issues with this distributor?

I installed it and it was running beautifully for a short time.
Now it starts and runs fine at first but then has significant issues after driving for a few miles.
It seems like it is cutting out and not firing, this happens for a short time then it is ok for a while.

Prior to installing this there were no issues.

I really like the adjustable advance but it’s basically undrivable in its current condition.

Any ideas?

[914_teener]

Is anyone having issues with this distributor?

I installed it and it was running beautifully for a short time.
Now it starts and runs fine at first but then has significant issues after driving for a few miles.
It seems like it is cutting out and not firing, this happens for a short time then it is ok for a while.

Prior to installing this there were no issues.

I really like the adjustable advance but it’s basically undrivable in its current condition.

Any ideas?

Do you have the carbed version or D-jet?


I have D-jet and I just got done with a drive....it has been running flawlessly.

My quess is that it is something else.

[echocanyons]

I have the BT programmable version with L-Jet.

[914_teener]

I have the BT programmable version with L-Jet.

I'd check the cap to make sure it's on securely. Then the plugs gaps and the wires.

Just a quess.

[echocanyons]

I swapped out a new coil, new wires and new plugs.
No chamge with any of these.

The strange thing is that it runs like a top initially then a few miles in it cuts out. It does this continuously once it starts and is basically undrivable after that. Once you let it sit for a while it works fine, then back to the same situation.

[mgphoto]

I'll have to check on that Kevin. I am running Ljet on a 2056 with a 9550 cam. I would like, no, really like to eliminate the pinging under hard acceleration at higher rpms.

This way, I could completely put my foot in it whenever... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I had the same issue, been dumping a bottle of MMT in a tank of regular gas, makes it act like 100 octane.
Found only 2 brands that work so far, Royal Purple and Lucas. Others don't seem to have the MMT concentration.

[mgphoto]

I swapped out a new coil, new wires and new plugs.
No chamge with any of these.

The strange thing is that it runs like a top initially then a few miles in it cuts out. It does this continuously once it starts and is basically undrivable after that. Once you let it sit for a while it works fine, then back to the same situation.

Check your cap and rotor for cracks, small voltage marks along the sides of the terminals shorting to ground.

[euro911]

I'd reinstall your original distributor and see if the problem is with your new distributor or something else.

[Porschef]

I'll have to check on that Kevin. I am running Ljet on a 2056 with a 9550 cam. I would like, no, really like to eliminate the pinging under hard acceleration at higher rpms.

This way, I could completely put my foot in it whenever... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I had the same issue, been dumping a bottle of MMT in a tank of regular gas, makes it act like 100 octane.
Found only 2 brands that work so far, Royal Purple and Lucas. Others don't seem to have the MMT concentration.

Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a shot. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

[98101]

Is anyone having issues with this distributor?

I installed it and it was running beautifully for a short time.
Now it starts and runs fine at first but then has significant issues after driving for a few miles.
It seems like it is cutting out and not firing, this happens for a short time then it is ok for a while.

Prior to installing this there were no issues.

I really like the adjustable advance but it’s basically undrivable in its current condition.

Any ideas?

Have not seen this, but it's too rainy and cold to drive much where I am.

I'm curious whether there is any pattern to the temperature reading in the 123\Tune app when the problem occurs.

[echocanyons]

I will give reinstalling the other distributor a shot.

I haven’t noticed a difference in the temp, I’ll have to do a test run and see.
I didn’t notice any voltage drops when this was happening on the app.

[echocanyons]

What should the normal peak temp be for the distributor?

I just changed the wires and cap we will see if this helps.

[914_teener]

What should the normal peak temp be for the distributor?

I just changed the wires and cap we will see if this helps.

Not sure what the normal op temperature of a stock distributor is. Good question.

There was some "loose" discussion of 90C as you might have read, might be a problem.

90C translates to 194F. I've had mine out in 100 plus temps ambient and no issues.

I have a friend with and infraometer so I'll check when I can get a hold of it. I seriously doubt that is a or THE problem.

I think it uses the Hall effect to fire the spark. Since you have L-jet it can't be an MPS magnetic field. Inductance with the coil being to close to the dizzy?

Just wild a** guesses. I agree with Mark. Put the old dizzy back in....if it runs perf then it's the dizzy.

[Morrie]

Is anyone having issues with this distributor?

I installed it and it was running beautifully for a short time.
Now it starts and runs fine at first but then has significant issues after driving for a few miles.
It seems like it is cutting out and not firing, this happens for a short time then it is ok for a while.

Prior to installing this there were no issues.

I really like the adjustable advance but it’s basically undrivable in its current condition.

Any ideas?

Make certain your timing is set correctly. If you are not totally sure that TDC mark visible is correct, get a bore scope or even a well placed mirror and look at the back side of the fan. A "0" should come up in the slot there for TDC on #1. Maybe you somehow have too much advance, or maybe not enough, and the engine is running too hot.

Another possibility is that there is a thermal problem with one of the components inside the distributor (defects are possible, sometimes not the fault of the manufacturer but rather the component supplier). If you have an IR thermometer, go ahead and run the car till it acts up and measure the temp at the base of the distributor near the clamp. I have seen distributors so hot they hardened and crystallized the rubber O ring. You don't want to be THAT guy.

If you have followed everyone's advice, and have a well tuned engine, plus followed the installation instructions to the letter, it may be time to exercise your right to warranty repair/replacement from 123.....

Does anyone disagree?

[StratPlayer]

No disagreement here, I've been running my 123 for over a year without any problems what so ever. I'm running a D-Jet 2056 and I love this dizzy. Sorry to hear about the problems some people are having. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[rhodyguy]

What is the role of the vacuum line that runs down thru the engine tin?

[98101]

What is the role of the vacuum line that runs down thru the engine tin?

The car came with a mechanical vacuum gauge in the dash, so I was curious to hook it up.

[98101]

What should the normal peak temp be for the distributor?

I don't know, but today I guess my dizzy was somewhere below 140ºF while engine was up to operating temperature on a cold day. Oil temp was 175ºF and cylinder head #3 was somewhere under 350ºF. Haven't had any distributor problems yet, and motor running much better with new DRLA 45s. Wish I had heat exchangers though.