Reliant Rebel 700 1967 Workshop Manual page 98

3. Slacken the slotted head screw "A" in the contact plate
(Figure 2) and adjust until the gap between the contacts
is 0.38mm (0.015in) as shown in Figure 3.
4. Re-tighten the screw and check the setting again in case
the setting has moved when the screw is tightened.
5. Refit the rotor arm squarely on the shaft with the slot
and lug in alignment. Press the rotor arm into position
so that the lower face abuts the cam.
To remove the points
1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor arm.
2. Remove the slotted head screw securing the breaker
assembly to the distributor and the hexagon nut
securing the primary and condenser leads. (Figure 2).
3. Lift the points assembly from the distributor. Inspect the
points for wear and burning of the contacts. If this is
apparent the contact breaker assembly must be
renewed. Contacts showing an even greyish colour to
the faces are fin for further service so do not need
replacement. If only lightly pitted, the points can be
gently refaced with a fine emery stone, then thoroughly
cleaned.
Figure 2 Contact breaker adjustment
To replace the points
1. Position the breaker arm assembly on the pivot pin and
locate the primary and condenser leads on to the nylon
screw, secured to the breaker arm spring.
2. Refit the hexagon nut to secure the flag contacts to the
post.
3. Replace the slotted head screw and adjust the points as
described above.
4. Refit the rotor arm and the distributor cap.
Distributer Condenser (all models)
The condenser is fitted in parallel to the contact breaker points to
mitigate excessive arcing across the contacts. A short circuit in the
condenser will cause total ignition failure. In such cases the
condenser must be replaced. An open circuit however is more
difficult to diagnose, without the use of specialised equipment.
The usual signs of this are excessively burned contact faces and
difficult starting plus a reluctance for the engine to rev from tick
over. Again the condenser will need replacement (along with the
contact breaker points) in this situation.
To remove the condenser
1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor arm.
2. Unscrew the hexagon nut and remove the condenser
lead flag from the nylon screw.
3. Remove the single cross-head securing screw and
withdraw the condenser.
4. Replace in reverse order taking care to avoid any
possibility of a short circuit between the condenser lead
and the breaker plate.
Figure 3 Checking contact breaker gap
Note: Dismantling of the complete distributor is not
recommended as only the cap, rotor arm, condenser and contact
set are available as spares. In the event of any wear or breakdown
of internal parts of the distributor a complete new unit should be
installed.
To remove the distributor from the engine
1. Disconnect the plug leads from the spark plugs.
2. Disconnect the high and low tension leads from the
ignition coil.
3. Disconnect the vacuum pipe (700cc only).
4. Unscrew the two (one only on later vehicles) 3/16" UNC
bolts complete with plain and lock washers and remove
the distributor.
Page 98
5.