Reliant Rebel 700 1967 Workshop Manual page 97

Section T
Distributor
700cc Engines
The 41245 series distributor is mounted on the right-hand side of
the engine and is driven by an offset dog from and auxiliary shaft
driven by the camshaft. The ignition advance is mechanically
controlled by internal centrifugal weights according to engine
speed. Plus a vacuum advance/retard controlled by engine load
operated by inlet manifold depression. (Figure 1) On very early
engines the distributor rotated in a clockwise direction (viewed
from above) but later cars rotate in an anti-clockwise direction. An
arrow cast in to the vacuum control housing adjacent to the
distributor identification number confirms which type is fitted.
750cc Engines
The vacuum advance/retard function was deleted for the 750cc
engines so a different model (41324 series) distributor was fitted.
The distributor is still driven by an offset dog in exactly the same
manner as earlier engines and the mechanical centrifugal advance
control is of similar design but of different configuration.
Distributor rotation is anti-clockwise viewed from above.
Whilst all distributors are physically interchangeable, it is vital that
the correct type is fitted or the engine will perform poorly.
Electrics
Lubrication
The cam and contact breaker pivots should be periodically
lubricated with petroleum jelly.
The centrifugal weight spindles should be lightly oiled with engine
oil every 3000 miles (5000km). To lubricate the cam spindle,
remove the rotor arm and apply a few drops of engine oil through
the apertures in the breaker plate and to the felt pad (if fitted) in
the distributor shaft beneath the rotor arm.
Caution It is vital not to over lubricate the distributor internal
parts in case of contamination of the contact breaker points.
The presence of oil, water or other contaminant on the contact
point faces, the carbon brush in the distributor cap or the contact
segments in the cap will cause erratic running and misfiring and
may prevent the engine from running at all.
Contact breaker points (all models)
To adjust
1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor arm.
2. Turn the engine so that the heel of the contact breaker
is on the highest point of the cam. It may be necessary
to first remove the sparking plugs to eliminate the
resistance caused by engine compression.
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