Technical '89 Tipo 1.4 DGT ignition timing

[LezH]

For various complicated reasons I need to retime my Tipo ignoring current spark plug lead order. I need to set the system up from scratch without referring to any present positions and settings.

The manual says:
firing order: 1 - 3 - 4 - 2
rotor arm rotation: anti-clockwise
firing at 10deg BTDC
no. 1 cylinder is nearest the timing belt (I assume this is at the fanbelt/crankcase end of the engine and not the clutch bellhousing end?)

Here's a summary of my intended actions. I'd appreciate any warnings, comments, advice, shortcuts, before I blow the car up! Oh, the distributor is at present on the kitchen table (wife none too pleased!). The viewpoint is from a mechanic's rather than a driver's i.e. bonnet up and looking at the engine from the front, battery to the right and fanbelt to the left.

1. Fit the distributor cap and, starting top-left and working anti-clockwise, with the distributor in roughly the right position in relation to the engine, put on the leads to cylinders 1, 3, 4 then 2. This will mean that 1 is at NW (nearest no. 1 plug), 2 is at NE, 3 is at SW and 4 is at SE.

2. Remove no. 4 plug (easiest to access!) and with distributor removed, spanner on crankshaft pulley wheel nut with left hand, and right thumb over no. 4 spark plug hole, rotate the engine. I should feel the increase in air pressure on my thumb when no. 4 piston is on its compression stroke, yes?

3. With no. 4 on its compression stroke, keep rotating engine till engine timing marks align.

4. Turn distributor rotor arm until brass tipped contact is pointing towards where the no. 4 contact point will be when the cap is fitted (SE).

5. Replace distributor in approximately 'normal' position and lightly clamp.

6. Replace all other bits and bobs: plug, cap, vacuum pipe, ignition module plug, battery ...

7. Store the bits left over in a Tesco carrier bag, light blue touchpaper and retire to a safe distance (kidding! )

Whaddya reckon guys - will it work or will I need a new car after I get out of hospital?

If it does work then obviously I'll fine-tune it with a strobe and tighten the distributor clamp as a last thing.

Thanks for any help!

 

[fixit]

Look at these....

 

[Trancendental]

LOL your Tipo sounds knackered. You're in London right?

Bring your Tipo Here, call em first.

VP Cars of Cricklewood Ltd
53-55 Oak Gro
London
NW2 3LS

020 84505195

They are Fiat and Alfa Romeo Specialist, they may be a wee bit expensive depending on whos working on the day but they will definately get your car back up to working order. they are very honest and good at what they do there, if I need my Tipo fixed and none of me mates are around to look at it I bring it there. Have never had to bring it back once and if anything else other then what you request needs changing or they spot something which may aslo be the cause they'll call you first to ask if you want it changed and tell you the estimated cost of the additional work.

good luck with your Tipo

 

[LezH]

Thanks to both you guys for your quick and very helpful responses. I've printed everything out and filed it in my OW file (old wreck) for future reference.

Having shown such care, compassion and interest in my old tip, sorry I mean tipo, I'm sure you'd like to know that I'm once again cautiously optimistic that my latest efforts will bear fruit. I renewed the hall sensor and wiring in the distributor, managed to get everything back where it should be without adding to my 'spare bits' Tesco bag, turned the key with eyes tight shut - and, unbelievably, the engine roared into life. Before it changed its mind I drove it round the block several hundred times and have now clocked up 9.1 miles of trouble-free motoring.

Next weekend I intend to test it to destruction by actually trying to make it out of London.

Wish me luck - and thanks again. You are thoroughly decent blokes!

 

[LezH]

Well, it's me back again - and seriously down in the dumps!

After renewing the hall sensor/switch and wiring in the distributor, the car managed exactly 100 miles of really smooth motoring before breaking down again last night at 10 p.m. just south of Westminster Bridge - precisely opposite where I broke down 2 weeks ago, can you believe. Again, no spark.

After about an hour and forty minutes, one of the least friendly knights of the road I've ever met, on contract to the RAC, arrived and grumpily took me and the car over to a garage in Brixton I know, where he 'helped' me move the car into a bay (i.e. out of his way!) by shoving it so fast it smacked into the wall and smashed the indicator unit. Great!

Anyway, I've had a call from the garage this morning that puzzles me and I wonder if any of you Tipo guys can shed any light? As far as I was aware, I'd renewed every Fiat Tipo ignition part known to man. My 'replaced' list is: plugs; leads; distributor cap; rotor arm; hall sensor and wiring in the distributor; ignition module on the distributor (twice); HT lead; coil. Each replacement has resulted in spark, ignition and a usable car for from between two miles and one hundred miles.

The garage now tells me (we've known each other a long time so I've no reason to distrust them) that there is also 'an ignition module bolted to the wing'. This, apparently, when tapped, causes a spark at the coil indicating a faulty component. Obviously I've asked them to renew it (another 45 quid plus!) but to be honest I don't know what 'it' actually is. I've not been able to speak with the mechanic and the receptionist that called with the message couldn't tell me any more than that. I'm not even sure from the message where it's located - though my guess would be nearside, somewhere near the battery.

I don't remember reading about this component in the manual - and I can't check now as the manual's in the car and the car's miles away.

Does anyone out there have any ideas about this 'other ignition module' or can you suggest what else it might be?

Thanks - Lez

 

[Trancendental]

I'll look in the Haynes and get back to you soon as I can