Electronic ignition distributor question

Gotta love that wiring . . .
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QuebecFiatSpider
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Joined: Thu Jun 29, 2017 6:02 am
Your car is a: 1980 Fiat Spider 2000 FI

Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by QuebecFiatSpider »

Hello everyone,

Recently I bought a new electronic ignition distributor for my Fiat spider 2000 FI.

When I opened the box to look at what I got, there is one detail that got to my attention. I noticed two small holes under the base of the distributor, which wou can see in both pictures I've taken.

What those two holes are there for?

I'm asking that question because I read somewhere that if some oïl fumes/mist enters the distributor, it may damage the wires or other mechanism Inside. I know that I need to change the seals for new ones in order to make sure oïl fumes does not escape the cam tower….but..in my own opinion, maybe it would be better if there was no holes beneath at the first place!!!

What do you guys think?

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tima01864
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Your car is a: 1983 FIAT Pininafarina Spider 2000
Location: Wilmington, MA

Re: Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by tima01864 »

Looking at an original Marrelli distributor, those two holes are there as well. Does not answer your question but....
wetminkey
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Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by wetminkey »

Condensation reduction and pressure equalization through minor airflow. I doubt that too many fumes will enter,...unless your engine is afire!
Todd.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe
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geospider
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Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000
Location: concord, ca

Re: Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by geospider »

you would need a BAD internal seal for anything to work it's way through the "internals" of the dizzy.
never heard of anyone even talking about that.
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geospider
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Re: Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by geospider »

Funny to go back to this and read what I wrote.

haha, that's exactly what I had. oil coming up through the dizzy. new one: no leak; but doesn't idle that smooth.
tima01864
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Your car is a: 1983 FIAT Pininafarina Spider 2000
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Re: Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by tima01864 »

Could just be tooling holes
redcars
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Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Collinsville, IL

Re: Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by redcars »

Those holes let the oil out when your distributor shaft seal leaks.
1987 Lotus Super 7 clone
1981 Fiat Spider 2000 AT
1982 Fiat Spider 2000 5sd
1970 Fiat Coupe
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geospider
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Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000
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Re: Electronic ignition distributor question

Post by geospider »

yes they do, and right onto the exhaust manifold to smoke. but relatively easy fix
and better than really mucking up the dizzy
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