Change out distributor— Carbs in place ?

[Rickrey]

My Elan+2 has electronic ignition. I have a spare points distributor that I carry on trips in case of electronic failure, BUT can I really change out the distributor with the carbs(Strombergs) in place ?
I haven’t tried it. Can you pop off the cap and replace the distributor without removing the carbs ?
Thanks

[GLB]

yes you can. It is easier if you modify the clamp so the screw head is on the other side and easier to reach. Gary

[69S4]

You can but it’s a bit fiddly for a roadside job. It’s a little simpler if your distributor has a clip on cap.

[billwill]

You probably need a distie with the HT leads coming out sideways at the top, but I think all the useful ones are like that anyway.


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Fixed a typo.

[h20hamelan]

and if your orient your distributor & cap so the wires exit the cap forward, you can move the entire lot out of the area (as opposed to having the wires coming up between #2&#3 or at the rear) which gives ample space to work.
this may require rotating the distributor body 180, while keeping arm at 11:00

[gus]

While it has been some time since I ran the original manifolds, while you cannot see the distributor, you should be able to remove it without any odd efforts. Remove the cap and rotor, push the cap out of the way. Remove the hold down bolt and the distributor should pull straight up and out, although it will be tight.
No need to change the adjustment bolt as that is undisturbed, and the cap stays so the direction of the wires is not important.

[alanr]

Why not just run the points distributor permanently?
No need to remove the distributor or carbs etc to fit a set of points.
No need to carry around a spare distributor just carry a spare set of points if you must, but I doubt you will ever need them.

Alan.

[Rickrey]

Thanks all !
I have stayed with the Allison ignition and present distributor just because the engine runs so well. When I purchased the car it had a murky past, but I did find that the engine has been competently rebuilt and moderately modified. It is just a tremendous runner.
Thanks again for the suggestions.

[alan.barker]

To replace the Points i always remove Dissy. No risk of dropping little Screws and Points set spot on . For sure turn Engine to 10° Advance with Rotor Arm at n°1 position BEFORE removing. Takes 1 hour maxi at side of road.
Alan