My 1971 250/8 runs okay but there is something not right and it looks like my distributor is going bad. I've heard about electronic ignition conversion kits and am curious about a change-over, especially since a new distributor costs well over $500.00 and the electronic change-over, I hear, is much less expensive. Any experience with this out there... I am not that mechanically inclined, but if I can get a diagnosis and info on how to do it, I can get it done. Please help!!!!!

debi:

Yes, you can get an electronic change-over. I have the Crane XR700 unit in my '71 250C and it works just great and it cost $100.00.

However, you might want to consider the following first:

Randy Durrance (this list) does (or used to) rebuild these distributors.

Also, if your's is truely "worn out" then I am not sure an electronic change-over will be totally satisfactory since it only replaces the points/condensor part of the distributor. All other pieces are used.

My .02

Dan

__________________
Dan Taylor/ Tulsa, OK MBCA
'84 300D/'90 Jaguar XJ6/XJ40

I guessed replacing the manual distributor with an electronic one would eliminate all the old distributor parts. Thanks for the information.
debi

Debi,

Had the chance to take my ditributor apart recently because of excessive play on the shaft which I thought caused the eraatic idle and rough running of my 200 w115. There aer no parts available here in manila, the electronic type replacements are hard to come by and the cost of a new one is somewhat prohibitive. I ended up taking it apart, pulling out two bushings, and having them machined at a local machining facility. Total cost... 50 pesos. The mild steel used was scrap materials and the fifty bucks served as gratuity for the machinist since the shop figured the job was so small ton even charge me for it. result... no play on the shaft but still erratic idle and rough running, Turned out I have a vacuum leak in the induction system I'd gladly have a pair machined for you if you are willing to wait for shipping and stuff.