Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi folks

Based on points type, I think what I have here is a Lucas 43D?

Could a kind soul please confirm for me?

Any thoughts on the engraved identifications "103TC" and "6/99"?

Many thanks

On the opposite side to the "Lucas" there should be a moulded pad on the outside with ident stamped.
Alan

Hi Andrew,
It is from a company in the UK called Aldon.
It looks to be their standard Twincam distributor with points.
103TC is the Twincam number. I guess the 6/99 is a date.

https://www.aldonauto.co.uk/ignition/di ... am-engines

Cheers,
Colin.

Andrewelan wrote:Hi folks

Based on points type, I think what I have here is a Lucas 43D?

diz1.jpg

Could a kind soul please confirm for me?

diz2.jpg

Any thoughts on the engraved identifications "103TC" and "6/99"?

Many thanks

Thanks both

Alan there's no moulding on t'other side just the blanking plate where vac advance would be

Colin, that looks relevant! I can always call them to clarify

Hi Andrew,

Colin has it right, Aldon did one for me a while back and they seem to recondition whatever body is to hand at the time and build in the necessary components.

If you've not checked it with a timing light then I would find out from them what advance curve they set this up with as it may, or may not, be the right one for your carb/motor combination.

Iain

Based on my experience of a 103TC distributor bought in the early 90's I would remove the base plate to check what is marked on the advance mechanism. Mine was marked with 13 degrees (26 crankshaft)... somewhat more than you would expected to see for an item advertised as "A non-vacuum distributor which suits most twin cam engines from standard to virtually full race."
Brian.

Agreed.

This is where it's dependent on the carbs you have, Strombergs are normally matched to a different distributor type to the Weber.

On Webers you will have 10 or 12 degrees static, then plus 14 on the centrifugal advance giving a total around 26 degrees crankshaft.

The Stromberg (UK non-emission) needs 9 static + 24 centrifugal = 33 total.

Iain

Its on Weber carbs

Thanks for tips, will pop the contacts off and have a look for any advance details

10 degrees

Question still remains....is this a 43D type?

Or a 23 type
Alan
p.s. the condensor is not the same size. I think the 43 is bigger.

I thought the 23D used clips to secure the cap whereas the 43D used screws, but as I've only had a couple of each it might be luck. The last 43D I bought (from PM) came with 7 degree bob weights (=14 degree crank advance). My Stromberg engine was so flat with that setting I began to wonder if something was seriously wrong. Because it was a new distributor it took me ages to work out it was wrong bob weights lack of advance.

Having delved further its a 43.

23 has external male spade connection for LT, whereas 43 has a wire emerging with female connector

23 has long clips from base of body, 43 short clips from top of body