Rotating rotor

[chimy]

1997 5L- I have just replaced spark plugs, extentions and ran the engine ok. So i changed the dizzie cap and rotor arm and leads. I have triple checked the leads to make sure they are right, the problem i have it it won't start. When i pulled the old rotor arm off the spindle must have lifted with it cause when i put the new distributor cap on it didn't seem to seat prpoerly. I tried it but car wouldn't start. I have since rotated the rotor arm and the spindle dropped back into the dizzie. Still dosn't start. But i can rotate the rotor arm 15/20 degrees ie it loose. Have i broke it - help.

[chimtvr]

the spindle will and should rotate about 15% but then should spring back this is how the advance and retard system works take the rotor arm back off and look inside there should be a plastic tooth that will line up with the slot in the spindle double check they are aligned if it wont seat properly you probably dont have them lined up
good luck

[chimy]

Many thanks for coming back to me. Unfortunately it wasn't as simple as that. I have now fixed it. When the centre spindle came up with the rotor arm there is a small plastic shaped ring that sits inside the spindle this came out and turned itself upside down. But i didn't know which way up it should be. I have since worked out it should be T shape at the top. Also when the spindle came up, one of the weights inside got underneath the rotating mechanism stopping it from going back down and a spring fell of! I found this out after i removed and dismantled the distributor. Anyway it is back to together now and running. I am in Coventry on Monday and I will try and persuade TVR Power to retime it for me i just guessed and rotated the dizzy backwards and forwards when the engine was running until it sounded right.

>> Edited by chimy on Saturday 7th May 18:46