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 Posted: Jan 16, 2019 12:08PM
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I forgot to mention, Yes Spitfire did have Opus as OEM. Apparently due to a high failure rate, they were being replaced. under warranty, with Piranha. I will also check the crank shaft end play. This is also another known problem with Spits.
 Bill how can I get in contact with you?
 Jay  

 Posted: Jan 16, 2019 11:41AM
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Doug and Bill thank you. I pulled the sensor and trigger out of the dizzy. The dizzy shaft is different, than the old style shafts.--- no cam lobes, to open the points. I will be in contact with Bill about the dizzy. Luckily I live about 40 mile from him and could pick it up.
 Thanks again Jay

 Posted: Jan 16, 2019 05:31AM
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US
I forgot to mention something.  Since you have not run the engine and you wanted to highlight potential problems before starting the project, examine the crank endfloat.

Use a pry bar to lever the crank pulley towards the rear of the car, then gently pry it forward taking note of how much travel you observe.  High-mileage 1500s can have excessive thrust bearing wear and even drop the thrust washers into the sump.  You should see only a few thousandths of an inch endfloat.  If you see 1/16" or more, don't run the engine. 

If you don't have a spare distributor, accept Bill's generous offer.  

Doug L.
 Posted: Jan 15, 2019 06:25PM
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Jay..I have some  use 45 dissys. if you need. as I only use new electronic ones now.. if you want it.. can drop in the post.. and you can buy me a few Red Stripe when you see me at MME.. later bc

 Posted: Jan 15, 2019 05:37PM
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US
I have not worked with the factory electronic ignitions on TRs.  I thought they were an Opus design, not Piranha... but I could be wrong.

I doubt the breaker plate on the 45DE4 is the same as that on the 45D4 (no tweakage dimples for gapping the points and no rectangular cutout to mount the condenser in).  You could probably run points in the 45DE4 if you also change the breaker plate... again, no first hand knowledge from me.

If you just want to get it going, any Lucas 25D4 or 45D4 with points could be used in place of the failed electronic distributor.  The advance curve won't necessarily be correct but you can set the static timing to about 8 BTDC and get the engine running at idle to test it and drive it around until you decide what to do as a long term solution.  Jeff at Advanced Distributors can rebuild most Lucas distributors for just about any spec you want.

As you get into this project more, be sure to visit some of the TR specific forums.  Triumph Experience is good and there is a sub-forum on The British Car Forum that you will find helpful.

Doug L.
 Posted: Jan 15, 2019 03:26PM
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Sorry about being off topic. I picked up a 78 Triumph Spitfire, with a Lucas 45DE dizzy. I may be worth restoring. I want to get it running, BUT the Piranha electronic module has failed due to water.  Is it possible to remove the electronics and fit points and condenser,--only to test the engine.  I just want to be sure, I am not faced with a big surprise later. If the engine is good, I would convert to a newer style electronic.  Thanks Jay