The Ford Barn

malloyjp · 08-18-2014, 08:58 AM

the shaft feels tight to me when I try to move it side to side. I ordered the better points and a new wire (coil to distributor). I went to reinstall the old wire and the wire casing cracked. The wire said Autolite, so assuming it's very old, possibly original. Once I get my parts I'll try again with the points. Do you guys know if there's a way to know if the vacuum advance is still good ? (The horn part that screws into top part of distributor. Again I think I have an original part (Autolite). I cleaned it up, but I read somewhere that these things often are not working anymore. Wondering if there's a test I can do to know if the part is still good.

Oh and one last thing. My oil pan drain plug is a leaker. I tried a new gasket, not working. Think it's the original steel pan (ford blue). Anyway, can I thread an oversize drain plug into a steel pan ? Anyone know what my options are to stop the leak ? Outside of replacing the pan.

Yes Ford3, 14 guys have been helping and I appreciate every single one of them. This forum is great. Thanks again to everyone !

40cpe · 08-18-2014, 09:18 AM

The canister advances the timing when vacuum is applied. you can attach your vacuum hose to manifold vacuum (any port that has vacuum all the time), then with your timing light on, attach it to the canister. You will see the advance and hear the engine RPM increase.

You can also see it with it attached to the normal (ported) vacuum. Watch the timing as you open the carb and you will see the timing advance, but as RPM increases the mechanical will kick in and add to the total advance.

malloyjp · 08-25-2014, 07:29 PM

I want to say thanks to everyone on this thread. The car started up on the first try and I was able to set the timing. The engine is running much smoother and has more power. I still have to dial in the carburetor, but this was a big step. Setting the points was a real treat, but I think I got the gap correct. I will recheck in a few days. But it was really awesome to get it back up and running better. THANKS !!!!

40cpe · 08-25-2014, 08:22 PM

Thank YOU for posting the results.

08-18-2014, 08:58 AM	#61
malloyjp Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Phoenixville , PA Posts: 28	Re: Frozen Distributor 351 Windsor (69) the shaft feels tight to me when I try to move it side to side. I ordered the better points and a new wire (coil to distributor). I went to reinstall the old wire and the wire casing cracked. The wire said Autolite, so assuming it's very old, possibly original. Once I get my parts I'll try again with the points. Do you guys know if there's a way to know if the vacuum advance is still good ? (The horn part that screws into top part of distributor. Again I think I have an original part (Autolite). I cleaned it up, but I read somewhere that these things often are not working anymore. Wondering if there's a test I can do to know if the part is still good. Oh and one last thing. My oil pan drain plug is a leaker. I tried a new gasket, not working. Think it's the original steel pan (ford blue). Anyway, can I thread an oversize drain plug into a steel pan ? Anyone know what my options are to stop the leak ? Outside of replacing the pan. Yes Ford3, 14 guys have been helping and I appreciate every single one of them. This forum is great. Thanks again to everyone !

08-18-2014, 09:18 AM	#62
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: Frozen Distributor 351 Windsor (69) The canister advances the timing when vacuum is applied. you can attach your vacuum hose to manifold vacuum (any port that has vacuum all the time), then with your timing light on, attach it to the canister. You will see the advance and hear the engine RPM increase. You can also see it with it attached to the normal (ported) vacuum. Watch the timing as you open the carb and you will see the timing advance, but as RPM increases the mechanical will kick in and add to the total advance.

08-25-2014, 07:29 PM	#63
malloyjp Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Phoenixville , PA Posts: 28	Re: Frozen Distributor 351 Windsor (69) I want to say thanks to everyone on this thread. The car started up on the first try and I was able to set the timing. The engine is running much smoother and has more power. I still have to dial in the carburetor, but this was a big step. Setting the points was a real treat, but I think I got the gap correct. I will recheck in a few days. But it was really awesome to get it back up and running better. THANKS !!!!

08-25-2014, 08:22 PM	#64
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: Frozen Distributor 351 Windsor (69) Thank YOU for posting the results.