TR4 ignition points settings and maintenance mileage interval

[earckens]

My TR4 has the classic ignition points. What is the suggested mileage maintenance interval, and what is the recommend gap distance?

I guess it must be measured at top-dead-center if I am not mistaken.... please correct if wrong?

[BlueTR3A-5EKT]

Standard Lucas TR4.distributor.

points gap 0.014-0.016”.  (I used to aim for 0.015”).   This is adjusted and set at their maximum opening   Engine TDC has nothing to do with dictating this   It is the position at which the distributor points cam opens the points to their maximum.

Service interval 3000 miles.   Clean, inspection, reset gap or renew.   

 

[earckens]

💗 @BlueTR3A-5EKT Many thanks!

Erik

 

[BlueTR3A-5EKT]

Erik

Here is a photo of the Lucas service page from a Standard 8/10 manual.   Same distributor type as TR4 so relevant to your car.

They say lubricate at 3000 and clean/inspect/reset at 6000.

 

[earckens]

@BlueTR3A-5EKT 💗

[iain]

On 4/23/2026 at 4:34 PM, BlueTR3A-5EKT said:

Standard Lucas TR4.distributor.

points gap 0.014-0.016”.  (I used to aim for 0.015”).   This is adjusted and set at their maximum opening   Engine TDC has nothing to do with dictating this   It is the position at which the distributor points cam opens the points to their maximum.

Service interval 3000 miles.   Clean, inspection, reset gap or renew.   

 

Agree with Peter. If you’re using quality components, they last for 10000 miles plus.

I had my distributor rebuilt some years ago by Martin, Distributor Doctor, and always use his spares. 

Iain