Villiers Mk.20 magneto backplate

So after spending an hour working through 5 pages of results I found lots of interesting posts to read but couldn't find an answer to my question: can the backplate be fitted in more than one position?

Got a Mk.20 and want to replace the HT which come out at the bottom of the backplate





Also found the points are obscured by one of the ally arms just as they open so difficult to adjust




Just wondered if it was possible to mount the backplate in different positions or is this normal on a Mk.20?

Can't see why not, from a hazy memory of a long restored Mk25 I had the back plate was held on with 2 screws so could be turned 180 degrees but the points cam is on the flywheel so you would still have the points issue.

Not sure about the MK20 but on the MK12 and 15 I'm 99.9% sure it will only go on in one position. Seems strange the HT lead comes out at the bottom though...

If you can turn it, won't that throw the cowling mountings out of position?

I've had a few Villiers in the past and the coil / HT lead hole was always at the top. Quick check through my manuals seems to confirm (MK 7 appears to be at about two o' clock)

Easier to remove fan ring to adjust points.

I had a look at my my MK25 today, hard to tell with all the crud but it looks that unlike the smaller engines the backplate is bolted on from the back and can be fitted either way up (your engine would seem to prove it)

I still can't see why you'd want the HT lead coming out of the bottom though...

Thanks for the replies It may have been one of those strip it down for work and forget which way it came apart, been there, done that myself