Distributor Vacuum Unit

[erik]

Hi everyone. I've owned my 79 MGB for a month now. Anyway, I replaced the o-ring in the carb air valve and my damper oil stopped leaking. Woo hoo.

My question: What should the vacuum unit of the distributor be connected to? Mine doesn't have any hose on it. I believe this is an electronic ignition unit, correct? It think I might have the CEI unit as there is no amplifier assembly on the dist itself.

Thanks.

Erik Larson
'79 MGB Carmine Red

 

[adam90009]

It should be connected to the vacuum port in the carb right before the intake manifold.

 

[erik]

The vacuum port before the intake is connected to the EGR. Do I need a "T" connector? The Haynes manual only shows a hose connected to the EGR. Has my car been modified because of the problems with the Lucas 45KE4 distributor? Am I too worried about this? Sorry to be so obtuse.

Erik

 

[Guest]

My distributor vacuum advance connects to the intake manifold. Of course, it is a '72.
Bob

 

[90 XJ-S]

The correct connection for the '79 is;
connect to a Tee at the Gulp Valve run the vacuum line to the solenoid switch mounted on the side of the peddle box. (It looks like a little cube plastic box.) from there you run to the distributer. The valve is turned on by a switch in the transmission that determines that the car is in fourth gear.

This switch is usually bypassed for a variety of reasons and has little effect both on emissions and performance.

You likely have the 1980 style OEM ignition system. The amplifier will be located on the right inside fender about as close to the distributor as possible. The OPUS system did not hold up well and the majority failed while still under warranty and were replaced with the improved version with the amp separate from the dizzy. the Lucas box will be either black or raw aluminum and have no markings on the exposed side and only a small "Lucas" sticker on the underside and some where there will be a part number rubber stamped to the Amp.(it seems to be wherever the person operating the stamp felt like putting it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif)

I would either TEE from the Gulp Valve or the EGR Valve and run a hose around to the Dizzy. Remember, if you run it around the back of the engine, it is in peril of being melted by the exhaust system. (Don't ask how I know /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif )
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
Mike