Setting Ignition Timing and clutch adjustment

[TimD]

I have changed the o ring on my 1980 dhc distributor and want to reset
the timing. what is the correct procedure? It has the Delco Remy electronic ignition system. My Haynes manual does not show this type of ignition system. It also states for AC delco breaker point style and the Lucas style the engine should be stopped while adjusting, why is this?
I assume that the setting is 10 btdc like stated in the manual for the other types of ignition.
Another question I have- is the hydraulic clutch system adjustable? I think my clutch is not dis engaging far enough,it seems to engage low to the floor and sometimes grinds when shifting fairly quickly or when putting into reverse. There was a wonky clutch reservoir cap that I did replace with new cap , i don't think air got into the system but when i bought the car last fall it had only been driven 5k in the past 3 years, may be the fluid has been moisture contaminated because of the cap. So I may just flush and bleed the system and see if that improves things. Any help, advise or past experiences is much appreciated.
Tim

[jclay (RIP 2018)]

Clutch:

The rubber part of the hose is probably ballooning (expanding) and causing you to lose pressure. OR The pivot arm may be wearing through. OR it may be time for a new clutch. Hope it's the hose. Go with a braided SS Steel line form TSI or The Wedge Shop and contact Summit Racing for banjo fitting for the ends.

Download the ROM Manual (TR7man.PDF) form my download page or my Public Folder.

Clay

[url="http://web.mac.com/jclaythompson/Site/Welcome.html"]My Triumph Site[/url], [url="http://web.me.com/jclaythompson/Technical"]Technical Stuff[/url], [url="https://docs.google.com/?hl=en&tab=wo&authuser=0&pli=1#all"]Download Page[/url], [url="https://public.me.com/jclaythompson"]My Public Folder[/url], [url="http://web.me.com/jclaythompson/tr8/Welcome.html"]My TR8 Site[/url]

[FI Spyder]

The clutch is not adjustable. Like Clay says replace clutch hose with braided so you get all the fluid pressure transfered to the clutch fork with no loss to the expansion of the hose. I got mine from UK, cheaper and shipping was about the same or cheaper as it is from US (doesn't make sense but worth checking). Victoria British's plastic clutch hoses expand and are worthless. Hopefully there's no clutch mechanism wear as you'd have to drop the transmission to check and replace worn parts.

The timing is set statically at 10 degrees BTDC then 2 degrees ATDC with retard hose fitted and engine idling (it's vacuum retard not vacuum advance on the TR7). Or you can leave the hose off and plug the intake spigot where the hose was attached to so you don't loose vacuum there (if you don't have to meet emissions in your area) and just adjust it to 10 degrees BTDC. The vacuum retard on the distributor is to meet emissions of the year and doesn't affect performance as the distributor advance is handled by initial setting and the advance weights curve and their springs.



TR7 Spider - 1978 Spitfire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[TimD]

Thank you for the quick response and great advice.

[TimD]

I have had a look at the hose from the clutch master to the slave cylinder and it is steel at both ends and looks like plastic tubing
in between. Is this the hose from Victoria British ? Problem seems to have even gotten a little worse since I last drove the car. I can't get it to go into reverse and if I start the car with it in reverse it wants to creep back with the clutch pedal fully depressed. It does seem
to be acting as if the hose is breaking down. I may try to install a steel line to test it further until I can get a proper replacement.
There is a large British car swap meet this coming weekend not far from
my home here in Ontario maybe someone there will have what I need.

[silverseven]

Obsolete might have what you need Tim, they are in Sarnia area.

I got my stainless steel hose from wedgeshop, it really wasn't expensive and I received he parts fast without headaches.

Give woody a call

Ron.

[TimD]

Thanks Ron. I checked Obsolete's web site last night, no listing. I checked the clutch master's level today and it was down from when I checked it prior to this years maiden voyage. So up she went on the
ramps and stands and i saw the slave seemed to be wet where it mates the tranny, so i pulled it out and sure enough the slave is seeping, I pulled back the dust boot and just missed getting a mouthful. I know
where to start and based on your guys advice i will change the hose to what you suggested. i think I might as well do the clutch master as well. Being a newbie TR7 owner its great to learn from the pro's.

[saabfast]

While the system is drained I suggest you rebuild the master cylinder in addition to the slave (assuming the bores are reasonable), otherwise it will start dripping over your feet when you put it all back together.

Alan
Saab 9000 Stg 1
Saab 9000 2.3 FPT Auto
'81 TR7 DHC