Marelli Distributor/Rotor (seeking clarification)
 

Hello all,

I got myself all wrapped around the axle, thinking my rotor should have 11degrees of play, but it won't budge.

Maybe it's ignorant, but I am seeking confirmation that my rotor does not have the centerfugal mechanism, and I should experience exactly what I have.

(mainly, that zero play is normal, and not indication of my advance mechanism having been frozen...)

thank you for anyone who cares to respond on this. Best Regards.

My vehicle is a 89 and 100% has Marelli Ignition system.

Marelii NO GOT stuff that moves inside the distributor, like the Lucas unit.

It simply "distributes" the spark, that's all.

Marellis have long contact areas on the rotor which removes the need for a mechanical advance/retard. The advance/retard is done via ICU.

So no, as Grant said, the dozzy is hollow and empty with only a rotor and nothing else.

I had called my trump card friend ( seasoned exotic's mechanic) and got him all stirred up

Then I re read the help book passage and first sentence say something like "early HE or Lucas Ignition" I just flew past that and assumed worst case scenario...

It was another passage that said something to the effect "marelli distributors do not have to handle the advance matters and they are handled by ECU... made me reread everything.

Hooray! For once I caught a break and can continue with the process of getting everything cleaned up, ready to button back together.

In my opinion(!) the Marelli ignition is probably the best you can get for a V12 engine before you go distributorless. No parts which can rust tight or seize. Sure, there have been a few fires but they are due to lack of service (old parts, not properly serviced, etc.). The Lucas relies on mechanical advancing etc. The Marelli is all digital and therefore hasslefree when serviced properly. Aet zp, replace cap and rotor regularly, enjoy.

Certainly pleased I did not rush forth like I did so many times in younger daze and break something unrelated to what I am working on.

Today I got my injector cleaning rig ( and process) sorted and just cleaned out the first one. Sitting all those years certainly did leave a mess... I just flush until clear, backflush, flush once more. This information age is just wonderful !

The spread of the spray pattern seems rather narrow so I will have ample opportunities to see how they all group. Better be sure to mark them well!

Get a break in the weather and I may start putting oil in cylinders and making certain everything is turning smoothly by hand/crank, get all that out, and then oil the top end a little.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...2e9e95c07e.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...f6ed72b35c.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...33ee93e7f1.jpg
I purposefully left some room when I changed oil l and filter last week. Specifically what am I trying to get oil on when I turn crank?

Once all that is done, I will turn crank pulley with substantial drill.