Re Electronic Ignition for squ 4's problem

[keith wainwright]

Reference to IGN-15 electronic ignition unit from Drags for squ 4's. My model 1955 4 piper.

I have been in contact with Drags several times over the issues I have experienced with the installation of the unit, but nobody seems to have any knowledge to answer the questions.

Distributor is a DKX4A the blue rotating trigger unit that came with the kit, has an inside diameter 0.644 across flats. Outside diameter across cam flats on the DXK4A is 0.699 making it an interference fit of 0.055 thou. Drags told me it will fit, follow instruction and push on. It cracked, supplied with a second unit same tolerance. No way is this going to push onto my cam. I have tried it with 2 other DXK4A with the same results. Reading the Austin 7 site they use the same distributor they mention two rotating trigger units with different inside diameters?

The other problem, I have assembled with supplied spacer plate but the rotor arm fouls on the green electronic control unit.
Drags told me not to use the spacer supplied with kit, but without spacer the new ignition unit base plate, fouls on the bob weight mechanism in the distributor base.
Any help on this problem would be greatly appreciated. The distributor is still clamped in my vice and has been for the last 4 weeks increaslingly becoming more frustrated with this problem.

Just about ready to put it all in a box and send back to Drags and get my money back. Keith

[adrie.degraaff]

A Dutchman Rob with great knowledge of square electronic ignition will be at the west Kent run, he is using a very good but differend system.

[keith wainwright]

Thanks for that I did speak to Peter Kemp I believe he has the same unit on he's plunger square 4. I did try to make contact with the supplier but never returned my emails. Apparently it's completely redesigned distributor. Would be very interested to find out more information. Regards Keith

[john.bebb]

Hi Keith - I suggest you have the distributor modded by Kirby Rowbotham and then use a Boyer Ignition system... - & whilst we're on the subject of electrices... go for the Iron Horse alternator - ... output is 300W @ 12V... makes a lot of sense instead of the original 70w @ 6V dynamo...

[seppo.seppanen]

Hi Keith! I faced the similar problems with Drags 6V electronic ignition kit in the first place. With the steel spacer (between distributor body and the bakelite base) and new type of slim rotor the whole thing finally worked out well. The old type bulky rotor does not have enough space to rotate. It will hit the green pick part.

Later I decided to change into 12V system and installed Iron Horse alternator, which works brilliant. With that I have a Pertronix Flame Thrower coil and Ignitor kit (PNX-LU 146LS). Those I ordered from Summit Racing, but you can find them anywhere (eBay etc.). I did even send the whole distributor to USA for Pertronix to test the functionality of this kit, because it is not especially designed for DKX4A, but other Lucas DK4 distributor models. The whole setup is now working well, starting & running nicely and plugs are clean. I would not like to return to the old system.

If you want pictures of my distributor from inside, I can post it.

[berniejones]

Hi Keith et al. Just like to say that I really appreciate all the info in this topic as, having just built my Mk2 from long neglected parts the generator isn't working.

I've been wondering whether to pay to have it repaired or use the money to go for the 12V option and then EI.

Cheers,
Bernie

[seppo.seppanen]

Bernie. One unbeatable benefit from having the 12V system is the ability to drive in the dark with a powerful H4 headlight (if you wish). When I had my old 6V configuration, I was constantly having problems with electric shortage in city speeds. With lights on the ignition would be starving and engine was running erratic. It did not help that I had changed the primary gear sprocket to run on lower revs ;D. I had to ride at least 70 km/h to get all working (when lights on). Now with the modern 12V configuration all these problems are gone.

[Paul Slootheer]

A Dutchman Rob with great knowledge of square electronic ignition will be at the west Kent run, he is using a very good but differend system.

I must strongly agree with Adrie. A lot of Dutch SQ 4's are riding with the a electronic ignition he fitted... And they all doing serious mileage without malfunctioning just on ordinairy six volts...

[john.bebb]

Hi Bernie; - go for the Iron Horse 12V alternator - you certainly won't regret it... AND you'll be able to see & be seen at night - without having to rev the rods out to keep the battery alive!!!
Note that the Iron Horse alternator is far preferable to most other alternators available (e.g. Alton) simply by it's power output.
The Alton puts out a MAX of ~ 160W (~90W at cruise) - the Iron Horse MAX is virtually double at 300W...
Why's this relevant? - well, with Headlight 55W, Taillight 8W, ignition ~ 20W - with the Alton (or similar) you're left with very little spare // break even should you wish to apply the brake light (21W)... perhaps fit indicators or heated grips...
I believe The Iron Horse conversion actually uses the alternator as fitted to the late 1970's thru 1980's Kawasaki Z1 / 900 which sported an electric start and all mod cons...
Cheers, John

[david.anderson]

The Iron Horse alternator is actually from a GPZ 900 kwak. I built one (actually 2) based on the article published in Cheval (with a couple of changes to the casing). There are actually 2 different GPZ 900 alternators, but either can be used with a minor change. The cheval article suggested that there was about 120 hours work in the unit. It took me 150 hours, so the unit is good value for money and highly recommended.
In use the ammeter breaks even at idle with a 60w quartz headlight and handle bar heaters on. I also use a heated seat and have heaps of power to spare at town speeds.
I do not believe that Alton make a generator to suit a mk2, although when I spoke to them one was planned for the future.
David