I am overhauling the Lucas CEI distributor in my 1988 XJS. I finished the overhaul and put the car all back together. The distributor passed the spring back test. I turned the rotor counterclockwise and it sprung back very nicely. I was about to start the car and I noticed that the distributor seemed a bit unlevel. So, I put a small level on top of it and I was right. I put the same level on top of the car right below the windshield and below that black plastic where the windshield wipers are and the level read level. So, I took the distributor out and tried to put it back in level but the only way it went back in according to the marks I made when I took it out was with the same issue. It was not level. Can this be? The rotor is still springing back properly and the distributor seems secure. It is not crooked or tilted greatly. But if you take a close look at it you can see that it looks unlevel with the naked eye. So, should I go ahead and charge the battery and try to start the car?
Thanks. John jsalla007atgmail.com

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 07/11/2010 - 08:13

John on your cap there is a #1.. That is 1A start there and go counter or anti clockwise and use the decal on your LH air cleaner to help. The firing order is correct on the decal and I do not know how it was set up (and did not compare) but the V 12 firing order is as it is. No amount of work by the PO can/could change this. So start at 1A and follow the order counter clockwise (the way the rotor in the dizzy turns! Good luck and take your time--lot of wires and easy to get crossed working in the valley with a snake din full of black wires..

Submitted by jsalla007@gmail.com on Sun, 07/11/2010 - 07:45

Thanks to all for your comments. George, thanks for the phone call. and nice job on the book. I am looking forward to receiving it.

ANOTHER QUESTION:
I have been reading some about in what order the spark plug wires are to be put into the distributor cap. I read they should be in the order that they fire. Here is the order that they were in when I took them out, (not the order of fire as I understand it). I put them back in this order. If you look at the cap as a clock and you go clockwise, here is the order: 1a, 3b, 4a, 5b, 2a, 1b, 5a, 4b, 3a, 2b, 6a, 6b. What do you think I should do? Leave them in this order, the order they were in when I started the project or change the order?
Thanks.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Sat, 07/10/2010 - 14:19

Edited on 2010-07-10 14:23:34

John, just make sure you have tightened it properly, it is important that the three allen screws are tightend EVENLY! you have to turn them each bit at a time or they will lock up. We usually tighten one until it starts to bind then, back it off and move to the next one keep doing this until all are locked. It is also possible that the washer on the allen screw has jammed on the stud, this would also cause a misalingment.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sat, 07/10/2010 - 13:06

John you have an O ring seal that can get a bit out but I think what you are describing is the fact the boss on the top engine plate is not flat itself. It is canted slightly toward the passengers side of a LHD car so that the dist. drive gear strikes the jack shaft properly. By the way your order shipped yesterday!!!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!!!!!!