Let sleeping dogs lie?

GingerPuss · Mar 2, 2012

My '76 SWB SIII has been in my ownership now for about 5 years. In all that time I have NEVER replaced/serviced/checked the spark plugs, rotor arm, points or dizzy cap. I also haven't changed the ignition timing.....all I do is give it regular oil and filter changes (and gearbox/diff/swivel etc lube service).

I was thinking that maybe it is time to replace some of the ignition components that must surely be starting to wear out now from regular use...or at least check the timing etc.

HOWEVER....and I don't want to show-off here......but the engine starts on the button, ticks over nice and quiet...and has plenty of power (always has done)......so should I just leave it well alone....or assume something will soon break if I don't replace/service the ignition parts.??

Should I let a sleeping dog lie?

Stumpy 1970 · Mar 2, 2012

I'd buy the parts in just in case but leave it lone. As long as you have been doing the fluids and filters it sounds line the rest is fine and dandy.

philvy · Mar 2, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuxkg8C8O90&feature=player_detailpage#t=15s

androver · Mar 2, 2012

Let them lie. Its not like parts are hard to get hold of.

oxides · Mar 3, 2012

Stumpy 1970 said:
I'd buy the parts in just in case but leave it lone. As long as you have been doing the fluids and filters it sounds line the rest is fine and dandy.

This sounds like good advice, but I'd keep the bits in the back of the landy. Ignition parts can fail suddenly and aren't as easy to get hold of quickly as they used to be. (the last time I tried to get a condensor from Halfords they said they'd have to order it!) If it stops working in the middle of nowhere you can fix it yourself or have the parts handy for your local recovery service to fit.

jamesmartin · Mar 3, 2012

as everyone else leave if running fine ,and get complete set of parts ,ignition parts are best changed as a set ie coil,leads,cap, rotor arm ,plugs,points,condenser,and be aware new parts can easily be poor before fitting ,i often have to fit another new part after complete service

oxides · Mar 3, 2012

jamesmartin said:
as everyone else leave if running fine ,and get complete set of parts ,ignition parts are best changed as a set ie coil,leads,cap, rotor arm ,plugs,points,condenser,and be aware new parts can easily be poor before fitting ,i often have to fit another new part after complete service

Yeah - get genuine Lucas/Ducelier points, condensor, rotor arm and cap if you can.

GingerPuss · Mar 4, 2012

Thanks folks......I have decided to just leave it all alone...but buy some spare parts to keep under the passenger seat box...along with the existing spare set of cooling hoses and bulbs etc.

Now....to ponder if adding some gearbox oil additive from Halfords to try and quieten down the transmission noise is a worthwhile thing to do.....!

philvy · Mar 4, 2012

GingerPuss said:
Now....to ponder if adding some gearbox oil additive from Halfords to try and quieten down the transmission noise is a worthwhile thing to do.....!

It will quiet it down eventually. When you stop because the additive has eaten all your yellow metal parts in the gearbox...

Dont break it. Do the normal stuff and dont be cheeky (which trying to quieten it down DEFINATELY IS!)

High Lander · Mar 4, 2012

I've used Molyslip on a whining diff on an L400 before with good results. Is there a suggestion that it eats copper alloy parts?

philvy · Mar 4, 2012

Molyslip doesnt, afaik.
I've used MOSS-paste (main ingredient of molyslip). Helped, but I've been told that it might become a problem with the seals.

Let sleeping dogs lie?

GingerPuss

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Stumpy 1970

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philvy

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androver

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oxides

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jamesmartin

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oxides

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GingerPuss

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philvy

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High Lander

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philvy

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