Replacing the distributor Pick-UP .....?
 

Hello everyone, This is Granty from GA. I am new to this informative forum of proud Jaguar Owners. I have a 1982 Series III 4.2 XJ6 that I am trying to restore after it was scorched in a garage fire. It started and ran ok after the fire but now it wont start, after sitting in my garage for over a year. It cranks ok but just wont start. I have been doing some self help to get it started and with the help of a Haynes Auto Repair Manual, I managed to determine that I have a no spark problem. I am now at a point where I believe the Pick-up in the Distributor is bad because I tested the connector that plugs into the Amplifier and get no resistance reading. My problem is that I am a bit intimidated by the removal of the Pick-up from the distributor. I am worried that I may mess up the Timing and this is something I don't want to tackle. Question, do I have to remove the entire Distributor to replace the Pick-UP? Can I do this without affecting the timing or having to readjust the GAP? Any assistance would be appreciated.

Welcome to the forums Granty,

I've copied your question from New Member Area - Intro a MUST to XJ6 & XJ12 Series I, II & III forum for advice from members here with the same model.

Graham

Hi Exodus
There is no gap to adjust because the system uses a rotor with 6 peaks, (or teeth), on it, one for each cylinder, and a reluctor that detects the passing of a peak and generates a pulse for an amplifier to take and amplify as a pulse to the coil. You only ever had to adjust gaps with a contact breaker in the distributor. The reluctor assembly is mounted into the distributor from the top using one or two small screws. There may be fine timing adjust via slots instead of holes for the fixing screws. It is better not to remove the distributor, as its not needed to replace a reluctor, and if you do, you'll have to do the full timing set up. By leaving it alone all you will have to adjust is the fine (few degrees) adjustment. Even this can be done by rotating the distributor and not disturb anything else.

Your car should have the Lucas Constant Energy system. Have a look at this website and scroll down to "Constant Energy Ignition"

Lucas Ignition (to 1989)

If, on the other hand you have the earlier, (and much more unreliable) OPUS system read the section on this. Autoelectricians used to refer to OPUS as "OP(L)US" (hopeless - get-it !!)")

Hello Frazer, thanks for the feedback. I do have the Constant Energy System...and according to the 49010 1968-1986 XJ6 page 231 repair manual that I have, they recommend adjustment/check of the air gap (0.014" - 0.016") for the 43DE6 and 45DE6 Distributor whenever the pick-up is loosened. Still, I get your main point. IE, it is not necessary to remove the entire Distributor. Thanks for the info.

they recommend adjustment/check of the air gap (0.014" - 0.016") for the 43DE6 and 45DE6 Distributor whenever the pick-up is loosened

Granty

Just make sure you are using a brass or plastic feeler gauge. See if you can wobble the upper bearing, I had more than .016" thousands of bearing play and could not get a good idle.

Rgds
David