LU-142A vs LU-148
Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 12:59 am
Hi all.
Does anyone have a Pertronix/Aldon LU-142A fitted (and working) in
their mechanical-advance distributor (like a 40953)?
Pertronix catalogs (now) show LU-148 as the "correct" item for
mechanical dizzy and relegate the LU-142A to the vacuum units (like
the 41225). Older catalogs showed the LU-142A as the solution for
both. My question: does your use of an LU-142A in your mechanical
advance distributor present any issues? Especially with the 40953.
I called the Pertronix folks and asked about the difference between
the two (LU-142A vs LU-148). No satisfaction. A bunch of vague
answers. When I pressed the tech for a distinction, it came down to
"the phasing is different between the two." I couldn't get beyond
this answer. Phasing? Huh? Is this nonsense, or a real issue?
I can understand a difference in mounting plates, although the
LU-142A seems to fit both distributor types just fine (I have both
types and have tried the mounting plates in both - no problem). I
want to know if the LU-142A will work fine, or is a marginal
application, in a mechanical distributor.
Phasing? Can't you just turn the distributor in its clamp to get the
"phasing" correct? Or is the rotor to cap orientation an issue? I
seem to remember that Keith was grinding away part of his dizzy cap
to look at just this issue. Keith, care to wade-in with some knowledge?
Bottom line: I have an LU-142A. Can I use it in a 40953 without
issue? Or should I buy an LU-148 (just to be safe)? Unfortunately,
the best of the archives seem to be my own "expert" opinion. I don't
trust myself. Anyone else willing to offer their own experience? Please.
Rich Boyd
Does anyone have a Pertronix/Aldon LU-142A fitted (and working) in
their mechanical-advance distributor (like a 40953)?
Pertronix catalogs (now) show LU-148 as the "correct" item for
mechanical dizzy and relegate the LU-142A to the vacuum units (like
the 41225). Older catalogs showed the LU-142A as the solution for
both. My question: does your use of an LU-142A in your mechanical
advance distributor present any issues? Especially with the 40953.
I called the Pertronix folks and asked about the difference between
the two (LU-142A vs LU-148). No satisfaction. A bunch of vague
answers. When I pressed the tech for a distinction, it came down to
"the phasing is different between the two." I couldn't get beyond
this answer. Phasing? Huh? Is this nonsense, or a real issue?
I can understand a difference in mounting plates, although the
LU-142A seems to fit both distributor types just fine (I have both
types and have tried the mounting plates in both - no problem). I
want to know if the LU-142A will work fine, or is a marginal
application, in a mechanical distributor.
Phasing? Can't you just turn the distributor in its clamp to get the
"phasing" correct? Or is the rotor to cap orientation an issue? I
seem to remember that Keith was grinding away part of his dizzy cap
to look at just this issue. Keith, care to wade-in with some knowledge?
Bottom line: I have an LU-142A. Can I use it in a 40953 without
issue? Or should I buy an LU-148 (just to be safe)? Unfortunately,
the best of the archives seem to be my own "expert" opinion. I don't
trust myself. Anyone else willing to offer their own experience? Please.
Rich Boyd