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From: burd@unm-cvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: eliminating distributors
Message-ID: <164@unm-cvax.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 21-Jan-85 14:12:56 EST
Article-I.D.: unm-cvax.164
Posted: Mon Jan 21 14:12:56 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 27-Jan-85 04:39:10 EST
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Distribution: net
Organization: University Of New Mexico Computing Center, Albuquerque, NM
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> I seem to recall some controversy about mechanical vs vacuum advance.
> As far as I'm concerned, they are both ugly kludges.
> Semiconductors are cheap. We have a saying, "all ICs will cost $5,
> unless they are plastic, which are less". The transducers can't be
> a big deal either. The presence of modern fuel injection means the
> necessary transducers are already there and designs without fuel
> injection (but why?) can take advantage of the high production
> volume of transducers to get low costs.
> 
> > In conclusion, I think that totally electronic ignition systems will
> > eventually take over from mechanical.  However, the complexity of the
> > system is increased, albeit encapsulated in some multi-hundred 
> > dollar "control module".  That control module will require no 
> > adjustment during its lifetime.  But when it fails, don't expect
> > to be able to dry it off with a rag, or to file it down a bit, or
> > do anything else other than to call a tow truck and wait while your
> > local garage orders a new one.
> 
> Yeah, my timing belt broke and I had to call a tow truck. So that
> experience is not unique. I claim that an electronic distributor will
> not fail as often as the mechanical kind and is a step forward.
> In the last paragraph I explained why I do not expect the electronics
> to add much to the cost of the product.
> 
> I guess I shouldn't mention another pipe dream of mine: electronically
> controlled intake and exhaust valves... You want a new camshaft
> profile, get out your computer terminal...
> -- 
>  AMD assumes no responsibility for anything I may say here.
> 
>  Phil Ngai (408) 749-5790
>  UUCP: {ucbvax,decwrl,ihnp4,allegra}!amdcad!phil
>  ARPA: amdcad!phil@decwrl.ARPA

Here's one more vote for the conventional distributor and its
mechanical "kluges".  I've owned five cars in the 100K-140K mileage
range and have never had a distributor problem.  The inconvenience
of filing or replacing rotor/cap contacts every 10,000 miles or
so is far more preferable than the chance (agreeably small) of
being left stranded.  Those who believe in the magic and infallibility
of electronically controlled engine components need only read this net
on a regular basis for a sampling of reality.  This is not a flame against
progress, just a plea for sane and realistic of same.


Smiling, as I pass you by, on my way to the bank.


Stephen D. Burd
Anderson School of Management
University of New Mexico