71 advance/retard mechanism

[Popstar]

Hello I’m just about to strip my 71 advance and retard mechanism and I’ve noted that there is an index mark on the outside of the central cam,Should the index mark lineup with the timing mark(hole) indicated by the Biro pen on the right hand side of the plate or as close to it as possible, also does anyone notice anything out of the ordinary on this advance and retard unit it is the number 323 which I believe is correct for the 71 model.

[Nurse Julie]

It can only go one way for it to function correctly.

[K2-K6]

As above description,  it can fit two ways with the right way firing all of the cylinders correctly at TDC, the other assembly fires all the cylinders at BDC and so won't start.

It's only a case of removal and refit the opposite if you did get it wrong, so not a massive show stopper.

[deltarider]

Or simply swap the blue and yellow wires.

[Popstar]

Yes it is running like a dog however that may be something else i need to look at if the above photo is correct.

[K2-K6]

If it was switched it will be 180 degrees out and you may get a "phut" or phut-all  if the ignition will fire any mixture with the pistons at the bottom and some valves open.

Something else must be wrong if it's running at all.

[Nurse Julie]

Just so happens Graham has both that I can photograph

Early type, correct orientation

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Later type, correct orientation

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The earlier type doesn't suit electronic ignition.

[Bryanj]

If it runs like a dog recheck the points gap(14 thou) and timing

[Popstar]

Thanks mine is clearly out in comparison to the one pictured.

[K2-K6]

Thanks mine is clearly out in comparison to the one pictured.

Also check the wires to the coils for colour as someone may have swapped those to correct an assembly error already (if the cam is in the opposite position, then swapping the wires flips the coils back correctly) meaning it could have two errors there already but will still run.

[Sesman]