Distributors

[Vic Butler]

To settle an argument can anyone tell me the type and number of the Lucas distributor originally fitted to early rubber bumper B's prior to the forward mounted radiator and the ECE 15 regulations.
Please be 100% accurate.
Thanks.

[Paul Scott]

I have a 75B Vic

Does the distrib carry an ID#

I know mine has 45D cap & points vacuum type.

I can look for ID number tomorrow if you need it.

Regards
Paul

[Paul Hollingworth]

This is a bit of a minefield. The Haynes manual isn't necessarily correct in my experience. The best source Paul Hunts Bee and Vee (hammer and spanner) site. He has complied data from several reputable sites.

www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/curvestext.htm#number

I believe, the first 18V engines came in in late 1971 with big inlet valve heads and retained the HS4 carbs and 25D distributor, whether that was 41288 or 41032 is depended on market. I think the UK got 41288 and this is so close to the original 18G 40897/41155 as to make no difference. The rubber bumper cars came with HIF carbs and the hopelessly retarded 45D 41610 distributor. I have plotted some of the curves from Pauls data to help my friend who has bought a 123 electronic distributor.

[Vic Butler]

Thank you Paul.. I'd appreciate it.
The number is a 5 digit one located on the body below the cap but I can't be sure exactly where in relation to where the distributor is fitted and it may well not be visible. It's usually on a sticker so it may have come off.
Thanks in anticipation.

[Vic Butler]

Paul H.
In Clausager there is a photo of a Jubilee engine bay and the vacuum advance pipe can be seen going to the front carburettor whereas the 41610 took its supply from the inlet manifold on later cars with the forward mounted radiator. It's the original distributor on pre September 76 cars I'm trying to find the number and for personal reasons I will not be referring to Paul Hunt.
I find it hard to believe that a 41610 would be used where the vacuum advance was taken from the carburettor and then from the inlet manifold.

[Paul Scott]

I will let you know what I find Vic.

Vac hose on mine goes to manifold with HIF Su's fitted.

Regards
Paul

[Vic Butler]

Thanks Paul S.
I'd be obliged if you could let me know the engine number if the original engine is still fitted.
I am puzzled by that photo of the Jubilee engine bay in Clausager. The vacuum is definitely from the front carburettor and the manifold take off point by the brake servo take off can be seen with a blanking plug yet the carburettors are definitely HIF's. Peter Burgess states in his book that all rubber bumper B's had the vacuum take off on the manifold. I'm beginning to wish I had not started this.
Anyway on my 77 Stage 2 BGT the vacuum is from the rear HS6.

[Vic Butler]

Can I please put out a plea for anyone who's got ab early rubber bumper B with the vacuum take off from the front carburettor to let me know the distributor type and number if at all possible.
Thanks. Once I've got stuck into something I like to see it through.
Now I am fitting a rebuilt distributor with no vacuum advance to my BGT soon.

[Paul Hollingworth]

My friends Engine is a bitzer but I believe that the block and distributor came from a Jubilee so was a 45D 41610. This has been replaced by the 123 set to curve 2 (40897) with positive results. I have it here and have replaced the Lumenition with points and condenser, so he has an emergency spare. I will fit the Lumenition to my own 71 B perhaps. His head was from another engine and had big inlet valves. It came with HS4 carbs but he has replaced them with HS6's.

[Paul Scott]

Hi Vic,
I have the attached pic showing 45d4 but bezt I got I'm afraid.

Engine 18V847F could not say if Original.

Vacuum off the inlet manifold with HIF SU's

Regards
Paul S ;0)