distributor clamp doesn't fit ?

[peg_pilot]

The clamp holding the Lucas distributor in my 71 Elan's twin cam doesn't seem to fit very well. It is larger than the flat machined on the engine block around the opening for the distributor and therefore seems to sit on the unmachined area above the opening. This results in a significant gap (~1/16") between the underside of the clamp and the engine block around most of the circumference of the mounting hole. I suspect this is keeping the distributor drive gear from engaging fully, since I detect noticeable play in the distributor shaft, even with just the lower shaft installed (centrifugal advance removed).

Do other people have this problem ? Or do I have a clamp perhaps designed for another block ? Thought I would ask before I start filing the @#! thing to try to get the play out of my distributor.

Thanks for any help !

[steveww]

Some pictures would really help here if you can post some.

The clamp should sit slightly proud of the block and should be slightly larger in diameter than the dizzy.

Inspect the dizzy carefully, the bodies on these are known to crack and crumble.

[ppnelan]

Inspect the dizzy carefully, the bodies on these are known to crack and crumble.

...as it's all too easy to overtighten them...

Matthew

[CBUEB1771]

The clamp holding the Lucas distributor in my 71 Elan's twin cam doesn't seem to fit very well.

I'll approach this cautiously. Is there any chance you have the clamp on upside down? The pinch bolt should be away from the block. Normally there is a fair amount of play between the gear on the jackshaft and the distributor. That is why modern cars got crank-trigger ignitions.

[fatboyoz]

"The clamp holding the Lucas distributor in my 71 Elan's twin cam doesn't seem to fit very well".

Peg,
QED (twin cam specialists in the UK) does a machined clamp that grips better and does away with the damage caused by the original clamp.
Colin.