Pertronix Distributor

[AlanJH]

My Elan has a Pertronix distributor installed by the previous owner and it seemed to be working fine, in the process of my annual winter projects I unclipped the cap for the first time in 4 years of ownership. I don’t have a reference but I can’t believe it’s supposed to look like it does with 2 of the posts completely ground down. (Maybe they do look like this)
I’m shocked the engine would run with the amount of damage inside the cap and obviously I need a new cap, I don’t know if the rotor is replaceable, I only pulled lightly on it but it didn’t seem to want to move.
Something doesn’t seem right with the apparent wear inside the cap but I don’t understand how the rotor and cap could but so far offset from each other to cause this.

[gjz30075]

Maybe the rotor is the wrong one? I think the Pertronix distributor takes a 43D type of rotor. Blue, in color, I
think.

[h20hamelan]

it is normal
the old ones had the same 4 tangs, new, 2 ground down from new

[snowyelan]

My understanding is that the 'posts' are machined after being molded into the cap to establish a consistent gap to the rotor arm and remove any mold flash that may have covered the posts during manufacture. If you look carefully at the plastic around the posts you will see machining marks at all 4 areas, with 2 of the posts entering horizontally and 2 vertically. The different entry angle is the reason for the differing appearance. The Pertronix spare I have in front of me looks the same as yours.

[alan.barker]

AlanJH,
If it's running ok don't touch it .
Alan

[AlanJH]

Relieved to find out this is normal. Easy fix to a problem I didn’t have. Not going to touch it again.

[Andy8421]

Relieved to find out this is normal. Easy fix to a problem I didn’t have. Not going to touch it again.

The bob weights and shaft under the rotor arm require regular lubrication or they will seize up.

It used to be that 'a couple of drips of oil' were recommended to be placed on the felt pad beneath the rotor arm as part of the regular points service. These days with no points, this gets forgotten.