Distributors

[Brandon]

Different types of distributors were used throughout r4 production. Are they interchangeable? Is there a list somewhere of which dizzy to which year/engine ?

 

[Andy McGhee]

Hi Brandon

Here's a basic list:

R1123 (TL) 800 05 B1B engine: R287 D83
R1128 688 12/C1E 14 (GTL): R244 D61
R2370 (F6) C1E 18: R324 C33

The make isn't important - it's the curve (RXXX, etc) that counts.
For more detail, including part numbers, try to get a copy of the Renault parts book (PR 900). What engine does your R4 have?

 

[angel]

Advance curve specs are listed on the official worksshop manual or the RTA (Revue Technique Automobile).

There are four types of body and shaft drive which are generally not interchangeable: Early style Ventoux block (like yours-without a provision for oil filter) has a plate with a clamp bolt holding the distributor. Later "reinforced" Ventoux blocks with oil filter and coolant drain plug on the side of the block use a simple Y-shape hold plate fixed with an M7 nut and stud on the block. Latest Ventoux engines adopted the large diameter distributor from the "Cleon" engine but with shaft drive compatible to the Ventoux; these can be fitted on earlier blocks provided that they are of the reinforced type. Some advance curves exist on both early and later style distributors, and internals can be swapped between different body types, provided they are of the same make. Shaft drive on the Ventoux blocks is always of the "flat blade screwdriver" type.
The third type fits only the Cleon five bearing blocks and has longer shaft as well as dog shaft drive.

 

[Brandon]

Thank you very much! Impressive knowledge. I'll try and find both books.