marelliplex - V7 #451

[mark m thornton <markmt@xxxxxxx>]

In v07.n451 Terry comments about marelliplex:  I'd say what they have in 
the alfetta is the marelli twin-points emission control distributor.  
This unit allowed two timing settings.  I understood the idea was to meet 
emissions requirements and to allow use of lower-octane fuels.  It's an 
interesting artifact, pointing to alfa's apparent dislike of vacuum 
advance (or retard) devices.  The dual-points distributor goes to some 
lengths to achieve only part of what the Bosch distributor on the milano 
accomplishes with the conventional vacuum advance unit.  I understand the 
dual-points units were commonly defeated by mechanics or owners in one 
way or another.

The marelliplex unit I have in a box is a no-points system.

>From the peanut gallery:  I'm not sure if Terry removed the distributor 
and looked. That missing advance spring is somewhere, possibly somewhere 
unsavory.

Good work!  It's good to hear of alfettas brought back to life.

cheers,

mark m thornton
seattle washington usa

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