FITTING ELECTRONIC IGNITION

Fitting electronic ignition to an MG Y Type for the less confident owner

IMPORTANT UPDATE
Accu Spark no longer stock this part.   Recommendation now transferred to Power Spark https://simonbbc.com/electronic-ignition-kits/ Important check the base plate in your distributor before ordering

Powerspark Electronic Ignition Kit for Lucas DKY4A & DKY4HA Distributor Positive Earth (K31PP)

The points in your distributor are probably the most adjusted item under the bonnet of your Y. If you like tinkering then read no more but if you would like to forget your distributor for a while why not fit an electronic ignition system. The beauty of the latest systems is that they are completely concealed under the distributor cap and fitting is quite straightforward, well within the capabilities of even the most mechanically inept owners.

Unit fitted within the cap.

My YT has been running with electronic ignition for the past 12 years without the distributor cap ever coming off, and as I have just fitted the YB with a new system I thought a few notes might help the more hesitant mechanics amongst you to take the plunge.

If you have a worn distributor fitting electronic ignition will not cure any problems, so first feel for any play in the central spindle. If you can feel movement from side to side it will be better to have your distributor restored or buy a new one. If your distributor is good make sure you buy the correct ignition model for your car as several distributors have been used and over the past 70 odd years, yours may well have been replaced. There are a few makes on the market but the one that I have just fitted was bought direct from AccuSpark http://www.accuspark.co.uk and cost about £50, but look out for offers and also watch out for the same item being sold for as much as £30 more.

new earth wire made up.

Old and new base plates

Most Ys up to the later YB require the AccuSpark model PSK32 D2M Positive Earth. The base plate is pretty standard but the magnet that fits over the central cam may vary. The AccuSpark website only details T Types and Ys are not listed, however other companies say the TB, TC and early TDs are the same as Ys. My 1953 YB was PSK32PP D2A Positive Earth. Study the base plate in your distributor and take a photo before phoning the AccuSpark help line to confirm your needs.

 Basically you will need to:

  1. Check you have bought the correct model by comparing the base plate and then trying to fit the magnet over the cam.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Disconnect the wire on the side of the distributor.
  4. Unscrew the base plate screws to remove it and then refit the new one.
  5. Push the magnet on to the central cam.
  6. Make up an earth wire and connect from the coil to earth.
  7. Connect the two new wires to the coil and the ignition wire.

The tools I used are pictured. A crimping tool is worth acquiring as it will always be useful and connectors are easily bought on ebay. I prefer to use the round socket types rather than the modern spade type. I also like to solder the bare wire before crimping but this is not absolutely necessary. The wiring can be left so that a future owner can replace the points plate if they so wish.

Your new system will come with full instructions but AccuSpark instructions can be previewed here. The diagrams of before and after fitting are probably easier to follow than the notes. Spend time exposing the colours of your existing wiring and checking what goes where. Then check that your wiring is the same as the ‘instruction before’ diagram shown. On completion you should end up with one spare wire which can be taped up, best not to cut it off.

The rubber grommet that AccuSpark supplies in my opinion comes fitted the wrong way round, as the two grooves in it are slightly different diameters and fit the plate and cap correctly if the long end of the grommet is inside the cap, but it will need trimming off as my photo shows. You make your own mind up.

If you have a timing light warm your engine before starting and note the position of the timing marks. When you have fitted your new system check that the marks are the same, if not adjust by rotating the distributor.

Peter Vielvoye

The MG Y Register has no connection with AccuSpark, other companies supply electronic ignition.