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308 Distributor help needed

Discussion in '308/328' started by Timmo65, Jun 4, 2009.

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  1. Timmo65

    Timmo65 Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    6
    Walsall, England
    Full Name:
    Tim Hewitson
    #1 Timmo65, Jun 4, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Please help, I have a 308 gts carb 1979, that needs its distributor sensors and points changing, as they are stuffed. It’s a single Magnetti Marelli SM805A distributor.

    1) The first problem i have is getting to the gubbins, i have removed dist cap and I’m faced with a plate covering in inner workings of the distributor, i have removed 3 retaining screws and 2 screws holding the sensors. I have tried pulling it straight out, although there is a little movement it won't budge. The plate will turn inside the distributor but still won't come out.

    2) Does anybody know where i can get a detailed components drawing and tech manual for the Magnetti Marelli SM805A distributor? I have a 308 workshop manual but its not detailed in it.

    3) Going to sound dumb now, I have found the appropriate ignition drawing and parts list, but there are no condensers listed, is the ignition sensor the condenser? Or are the condensers part of or on the coils?

    Cheers

    Timmo
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  2. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #2 Ferraripilot, Jun 4, 2009
    You do not need condensors. You have the single distributor with electronic pickups don't you? The single distributors with points were used until '78 and then electronic took over, so you sort of have the 'holy grail' of single marelli distribors.

    If you are trying to get the thing apart to clean the inards etc, it would behoove you to remove the distributor altogether. Turn the engine over by hand via the crank bolt on the other side of the engine (clockwise only!) until you see the TDC mark on the flywheel which the distributor aligns to via a mark that the rotor arm points to on the distributor itself. Once this is achieved, go ahead and remove the 3 13mm nuts and washers under them and the entire distributor should just slide off the splines.
     
  3. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #3 Ferraripilot, Jun 4, 2009
    Let me correct one part of my post. The pic you posted at the top of the distributor shows a red line at the upper left side at about the 10-11 o'clock position according to the photo. The rotor arm points at this mark while the engine flywheel is lined up with the 7btc mark on the flywheel. That is the best way to line things up before removing.
     
  4. 8valve

    8valve Formula 3

    Sep 3, 2003
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    Mick A.
    #4 8valve, Jun 4, 2009
  5. Timmo65

    Timmo65 Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    6
    Walsall, England
    Full Name:
    Tim Hewitson
    #5 Timmo65, Jun 5, 2009
    Thanks guys
    lvferraripilot a special thanks, i'll let you know how i get on.

    Cheers
    Timmo
     
  6. Timmo65

    Timmo65 Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    6
    Walsall, England
    Full Name:
    Tim Hewitson
    #6 Timmo65, Jun 24, 2009
    Again thanks for help and advise,
    Tracked parts down and reassembled.
    I have also set floats and balanced carbs thanks to birdman, Now runs a dream
    Next job, body shop for strip back and painting, I nearly fell over when i got quote but i have seen his work and its tip top.
    Cheers
    Timmo65
     
  7. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #7 Ferraripilot, Jun 24, 2009
    Hey that's great! Keep us in the loop with photos regarding your paint restoration. Glad it is running well
     

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