I'm still in trouble with my replacement distributor.

[Forrest]

I think you’re right to sort out the service items before trying to do any fine adjustments. If you are on the lookout for a timing lamp, not the most common tool nowadays, then the one I plumped for a few years ago was this one:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/123901471276

At that time it even made financial sense to buy it from Australia and pay the delivery and duty. That may not be the case now.

Of course, you may already be an expert using one but if not here’s a good beginner’s video demonstrating how to adjust the timing on a 240 with that model of lamp.

https://youtu.be/BJyyTV67KzU

[360beast]

There are much cheaper options than the Australian one

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134878758...mis&media=COPY

[Offgrid]

Thanks again for the advice. I did buy a timing light for the saloon, but didn't get round to using it, as I gather the final adjustment is made by the engine managemnent. I made some coarse adjustments on The Hoe yesterday, and I managed to get the idle above 1,000. It was 500-600 before that. I sounds a lot better, so I'm hoping that new plugs and a new back box will get it through its MOT on Tuesday.

I've got a couple of failed bulbs, and I'm hoping that replacing those will be the final job. I love old cars when you can fix the lights with some bulbs salvaged from previous cars. These modern cars that require a computer reset, and yield a £300 bill to change a bulb are non-starters for me.