Is there a previous post on fitting an electronic ignition module inside an existing distributor? I’d appreciate a no holds barred description with no assumptions on electronics and associated terminology, I have a Type 30 Accuspark module to fit and am concerned about wiring polarity to and from the coil, plus timing tips.

All the 'Hall effect'electronic ignition modules are very easy to fit. As it is easier to fit with the distributor off the engine, turn the engine so that the rotor-arm is pointing in a rememberable position (I normally have it pointing UP). Remove the distributor, remove all the gubbins inside the distributor and fit the ignition module as described in the fitting instructions. Personally, I always obtain a new square 'exit' rubber for the wiring (out of the distributor---they are supplied with round 'exit' rubbers) and secure the wires with a very small cable tie just inside and outside the distributor. The red wire goes to the +VE (15) terminal on the coil, and the black wire to the -VE (or 1) terminal. Just to stop them flopping around, I normally put both of the wires, and the oil-pressure warning light wire into a 'split' sheath.
By refitting the distributor with the rotor-arm in the same position, the engine should start and run pretty well, but to check the timing with the electronic module you MUST use a timing light. Hope this clears up your concerns.

Thanks Tom. What could possibly go wrong?

Chrismunn said:

Thanks Tom. What could possibly go wrong?

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I've done it Chris and I'm a complete idiot so you shouldn't have any issues

I'm assuming the accuspark kit came with instructions? If not I should still have mine somewhere which I'd imagine marry up with what Tom has said.

I just fitted the 123 electronic ignition to my '72 500L (as the complete new distributor). For whatever reason, I had to swap my plug wires on the cap to the opposite of that they were with the points. I had everything (rotor position, plug locations, timing, distributor angle) marked prior to disassembly and even tried removing the distributor and turning the engine over to TDC for the back piston (#2) instead to see if that would work, but could only get it to work with the plug wires swapped at original markings with piston 1 at TDC. Engine ran well on points prior to the job, engine has been running flawlessly now on electronic ignition since the job over a week ago. If you're sure you've done it right and it won't fire, try swapping the plugs on the cap.

Thanks for the advice people. Today I held my breath and took the distributor out and reinstalled it with the Accuspark unit. It started up immediately with a pretty smooth idle.... Job done!