General Replacing Vaccum advance (Uno 1100 ie FIRE)

[Iain]

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

 

[Morty Mort]

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.

 

[alexGS]

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

 

[Morty Mort]

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.
-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.