Technical Swapping the magnetic pickup has changed timing massively

[DavidAmes344]

So, the magnetic pickup failed, as they do. Wires were shot, as they do.

Installed a new pickup.

Car didn't want to start... on a whim, turned the distributor counter clockwise a bit... car started, but running poorly with no power. Turned distributor further. Better but still not good. Have turned the distributor to the point that no adjustment is left... running improved more, but still not good.

Can changing the magnetic pickup make that enormous of a shift in the timing? I'm left with pulling the distributor and turning it to give myself more adjustment to work with... what, if anything, am I missing?

Hoping for some input before I pull the distributor and turn it. Car was running pretty well before the old pickup died.

 

[DavidAmes344]

So, the magnetic pickup failed, as they do. Wires were shot, as they do.

Installed a new pickup.

Car didn't want to start... on a whim, turned the distributor counter clockwise a bit... car started, but running poorly with no power. Turned distributor further. Better but still not good. Have turned the distributor to the point that no adjustment is left... running improved more, but still not good.

Can changing the magnetic pickup make that enormous of a shift in the timing? I'm left with pulling the distributor and turning it to give myself more adjustment to work with... what, if anything, am I missing?

Hoping for some input before I pull the distributor and turn it. Car was running pretty well before the old pickup died.

And by the way... it's a 1983 Spider

 

[s130]

I've not seen an magnetic pickup for the Spider (to know what it looks like) but the only reasons the timings would change are I think:

1) Incorrectly mounted - wrong way round? - possibly upside down and needs flipping over
2) It is not an exact OEM replacement part where the internals are in a slightly different position

 

[DavidAmes344]

I've not seen an magnetic pickup for the Spider (to know what it looks like) but the only reasons the timings would change are I think:

1) Incorrectly mounted - wrong way round? - possibly upside down and needs flipping over
2) It is not an exact OEM replacement part where the internals are in a slightly different position

Well, can't be wrong way round. Only goes one way. Number 2 is possible.

 

[Slotman]

Wow, I would consider returning it if that's possible, and get a different brand with the goal being to keep it timed as originally it was, please let us know how this works out, and good luck!

 

[124BC1]

I've not seen an magnetic pickup for the Spider (to know what it looks like) but the only reasons the timings would change are I think:

1) Incorrectly mounted - wrong way round? - possibly upside down and needs flipping over
2) It is not an exact OEM replacement part where the internals are in a slightly different position

Well, can't be wrong way round. Only goes one way. Number 2 is possible.

Here's some pics (from the Midwest-Bayless website) of a magnetic pick-up for the 124 Spider that show the correct installation, note the orientation of the 'base magnet'. . . .

 

[DavidAmes344]

Here's some pics (from the Midwest-Bayless website) of a magnetic pick-up for the 124 Spider that show the correct installation, note the orientation of the 'base magnet'. . . .

View attachment 473827View attachment 473828View attachment 473829View attachment 473830

Pretty sure I put it in correctly, but I will double check that the line is up.