(G) Replacing Vaccum advance (Uno 1100 ie FIRE)

I seem to have a problem which has been adressed many times on this board:

When hot the engine idles poorly and often cuts out at low revs (Uno FIRE 1.1 ie Injection model with ECU).

Having read many of the previous threads I plan to replace the vacuum advance unit on the distributor. I am living in Italy so should have no problems in obtaining the part , BUT am not sure how easy the replacement is.

I am relatively handy, but have little experience of auto repair and no specialist tools, can anyone advise me on whether I should attempt this myself or visit my local Fiat mechanic

many thanks,
Iain

Hei.

You can do it yourself. It is two screws on the distributor. Remove the distributor first, after unplugging th HT leads. Use a permanent marker or scratch it's position to the engine head. Then you won't disturb the ignition timing when you replace it. It may be a little fiddly to remove the vacuum unit itself, but if you remove the cap and rotor, and the shield within, you will be able to see inside the distributor.

Morten.

Morty Mort - does the dizzy (sorry, distributor ;-) really have to come off?
I'm pretty sure I've replaced the vacuum advance with the distributor still in place.

Iain - The operating arm (yellow plastic inside the distributor) from the diaphragm has a slot in it - use a screwdriver in the slot to loosen the grip on the pickup plate.

Don't forget to check the vacuum pipe all the way to the carburettor - it's easy for this to crack near the carb.

-Alex

No.
But if you get really angry when working on it when it´s dark outside - then remove it and take it inside, instead of having a nervous breakdown.

Morten.