Ignition Service
Given that each job is unique and that the ignition system has to be viewed as a whole, I have standardized
the repair and cost estimating
process as follows:
There is no fee for the estimate. Given the number of units I have serviced over the years and
the standard
areas that normally wear, the estimating portion of the process is straightforward and easily accomplished.
To
do a proper estimate I need the following pieces shipped to the shop:
(1) The distributor and its lower drive
(2) The
cap and rotor
(3) The igniton coil, plug wires and spark plug connectors.
The cost estimate includes a physical inspection
of all the external parts, establishing a baseline advance curve, and inspection of the internal parts of the distrubutor
advance mechanism
As a general guideline,a full overhaul for a single typical Ferrari distributor in serviceable condition
generally costs
around $600
This includes full cosmetic restoration, new upper and lower bearings, 2 points sets and one condenser,
dissassembly , cleaning and lubrication of all internals, and reassembly. This also includes up to four calibration runs to bring
the unit into factory specification.This calibration portion of the process is exacting work requiring a near complete disassembly
of the unit for each test run.
The biggest additional expenses are generally incurred in two areas:
The first is when there is mechanical wear to the weights,
pivot pins or the advance drum, usually caused by a complete and total lack of service and lubrication over the distributor's
life. Internal repairs to the weights, the springs, the pivots, and the advance weight housing often require both welding and machining,
or replacement parts.
The second area is when the advance springs have been changed, modified or are completely incorrect
for the application. Half of the distributors that come through the shop suffer from this problem and they are usually due to
misguided ignition "tuning" attempts based on incorrect assumptions.
General repairs and calibration are billed at the shop rate
of $85 per hour, machining is billed at $100 per hour
Magneti Marelli factory in India in 1964
(Click to
Enlarge)