Fordson Dexta Gas Distributor

[Otto V]

I made another post here a week ago re electronic ignition for my 1964 Fordson Dexta Gas, but there were no replies. I contacted Pertronix directly, but they need me to provide the make/model of distributor in order to help me. The make is LUCAS and I was able to get the following info from the data plate: D3A4, 40243H, 1263. It was also stamped with either V180 or V-80 (hard to read). I provided this information to Pertronix, but none of those numbers showed up in their database. I've taken a few pictures of the distributor . . . would anyone be able to help me identify the model of this distributor?

 

[DanielW]

Did you ever have any luck identifying and finding parts? I think you already found all the info there is to find on it: It's a Lucas D3 series, exact model D3A4. Take a look at this thread in the link below (in particular the reply that talks about dimensional interchangeability).

If it were me, I'd just carry on with the current system and not worry about going to a Pertronix kit. I understand the appeal of electric ignition for high performance and race engines where crisp and perfect dwell and high RPM/low response time are critical, but I never understood the appeal for an old tractor. A points & condenser system will work just as well in these old girls, last for years/decades, and when something does go bad it's easy to diagnose and every part only costs a few dollars. With an electronic kit, if something goes wrong there are many more variables to consider (Correct voltage via ballast resistor? Change to suppression HT leads? Coil type? Prox. pickup? Internal board?) and much more expensive parts. An old-fashioned points & condenser system is still affected by all those variables, but usually they'll still run reasonably well if one is incorrect. A Pertronix kit will be completely dead if any of those factors are wrong.

Link to Lucas D3 discussion: https://www.redpowermagazine.com/forums/topic/157764-lucas-d3a4-distributor-swap-options/

 

[DanielW]

Further to my last reply: If you do want to go electronic, looks like this kit would work for the D3A4:

Electronic Ignition Kit for Lucas D3A4 Distributor

Electronic Ignition Kit for Lucas D3A4 Distributor. Improved Spark & Starting. Positive & Negative Kits Available. Order Online from Powerspark Ignition.

simonbbc.com