Struggling with 123ignition install

[914986]

I'm installing a 123ignition in a customer's 914-6 (conversion) and it's really kicking my butt. It's a 2.7 with PMO's, and as you probably know, distributor access is a PITA in a 914-6.

I've never had this much trouble installing a distributor. I've done at least half a dozen distributor installs in a 914-6, a few 911's, and numerous 914-4's.

I've confirmed TDC#1 with a scope in #1 (piston up, valves closed), and installed the distributor per the exceptionally generic instructions that came with the distributor.

I've moved the distributor in roughly 1mm increments both directions about 20* and I can't get the engine to run. Some loud pops and bangs, but that's it.

Any experienced advice would be appreciated!

I like the concept of the 123ignition unit, but there's a few things about it that could stand improvement. The clips for the distributor cap are very poor for a new distributor in this price range and fit poorly. There were problems with the spring loaded center terminal of the cap right out of the box.

There's no specific instructions for this engine. The US dealer, while a nice guy and good to return calls is not a mechanic and slim on tech support.

[snbush67]

I might be able to help. Do you have the usb or the Bluetooth model?

[914986]

Usb.

[snbush67]

This is one of the best videos for installing and getting it set up. It’s in German but you can follow along just by watching.

At the 21 minute mark is where it shows lining up the led light inside the distributor. That is probably the part you’re missing.

https://youtu.be/EMrAj6KsQB8

[snbush67]

Instructions are here;

https://123ignitionusa.com/content/123_tune_manual__94319.pdf

You should load the curve into the distributor with it disconnected prior to installation. However if you didn’t you can still do it, just disconnect everything and follow the instructions by plugging in the usb cable and load the curve from your computer.

Then.

It doesn’t matter where the distributor is lined up initially, you just put it in loose, where you will have the best access to the USB port and the wires have the best clearance.

Connect everything except the black wire.

Turn the ignition on and then rotate the distributor opposite of the direction it rotates when running until you see the Led light shine through the aluminum disc. Stop and tighten the distributor.

Then connect all the ignition wires and cap. It should start.

[914986]

Under duress, I typed USB, it’s Bluetooth

[snbush67]

That’s even better. Same setup but you can use a phone with the app installed to connect. No cable needed. You can program any curve, I recommend that you set it up and get the LED light to come per the directions, but rather than set the crank at TDC use whatever is recommended for the normal setting for the motor. For my SC it was 5 degrees before TDC +/- 2. I think that the 2.7 is supposed to have an initial advance of 5 degrees.

Make sure that when you write your curve that you add in the 5 degrees for your static timing setting. So when your curve is showing 20 degrees it is actually 25 degrees because your static timing is 5 and the distributor module is adding 20.

https://123ignitionusa.com/content/123_TUNEplus_manual.pdf

[914986]

The problem is getting #1 in the right location so the rotor and cap align. There’s no groove in the rim of the 123 distributor

[ChrisHoover]

I empathize with your struggle. I have no suggestions. I fought with the 123 for weeks. I could never make it run great. I gave up and restored the original distributor. I may try again in the future

[Sebscst]

I put this in my car and followed the instructions and it worked as it should. Are you maybe skipping a step? Was the car running correctly prior to installing? Also have you tried calling them, I had some questions prior to install and they were helpful. Good luck

[snbush67]

Originally Posted by 914986

The problem is getting #1 in the right location so the rotor and cap align. There’s no groove in the rim of the 123 distributor

There is a notch right?

You should initially install the whole shebang with the cap on. Then remove the cap and go through the light alignment. Tighten the nut and then the cap should then just go on without an issue.

[914986]

The old and new, side by side


Installed per instructions


There’s a stop on the 123 distributor for the cap, you can see it on the bottom of the rim. The cap has to be installed 180* from stock. They are sending a new cap. The center terminal has come off several times. Dubious quality cap and rotor are void of any branding.

There is no #1 mark on the rim, like every Bosch I’ve ever touched. I marked the rim so I can get the rotor aligned.

The rotor is past the terminal boss for #1 when the LED lights up.

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate your input.

[Balisong]

Maybe you figured this out but bend the cap retention clips into a C shape to get them shorter so they hold the cap tighter. I have not installed the 911 unit yet but I installed one in my 356.

[icarp]

PM sent
Ian

[mar2mar]

"The rotor is past the terminal boss for #1 when the LED lights up" The LED light should be setup before reaching #1, not after.

"There is no #1 mark on the rim, like every Bosch I’ve ever touched." you can pick any one of the six points as #1 if the firing order and TDC is properly sequenced to that point.

If your CDI has a built in advance(like my Classic retrofit CDI+) you have to use a timing strobe to calibrate TDC with the coresponding curve in the phone app.

Also, my car with 123Ignition the idle was unsteady when I had solid copper core ignition wires.

https://youtu.be/-9SgWGRqoLM

After sorting out the bugs, my car runs smoother from idle to redline with 123Ignition compared to the original rebuilt distributor with Pertronix.

[snbush67]

I think you should rotate the body about 45 degrees clockwise.

[snbush67]

I hope these pictures will help you. Loosen the nut securing the mounting collar and rotate the distributor like this then your #1 will be in the same spot as with the original distributor.

[snbush67]

Hope you got it running.

[sithot]

Bump for 411 on the distributor woes.

[icarp]

914 986
I sent you a pm, as I said I am happy to help on the Phone , If you are still having trouble.
Icarp