Bubba,I have a question
 

On the adjustable vac advance,turning the allen wrench clockwise does what?

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

Clockwise increases the number of degrees of advance the vacuum canister can add to the timing. The more vacuum the engine is producing at any given moment, the more of those available degrees are added.

Idle and steady cruise commonly produce the most vacuum and thus enjoy the most vacuum advance.

Obviously then, turning the wrench counterclockwise decreases the number of degrees.

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

Oops- you're talking about 49-53... I was trying to figure this on a crab...
Karl

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

Richard in Fla. Thats exactly what I wanted to know,Thanks Phil

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

Yo Richard, is there a stop on the adjustment if you turn it full counter-clockwise? In other words, if you back it all the way out does the adjustment screw come out or does it stop at the "least advanced" spot?

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

There are stops but since the canisters are made in China now, the stops aren't very strong. If you reach a stop and then force it, you'll be buying a new canister soon.

Also, it's often difficult to get the cheap allen wrench go into the adjuster inside the canister. Try rounding that end of the wrench just ever so slightly.

Another also, it's much easier to make adjustments if you put pressure on the wrench to free up the mechanism inside while you turn the wrench.

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

here is a pic. the skinney wrench is the one i've been trying to use since december it is the one that came with my first vacuum advance unit.
engine was out of the car for 8 months, so maybe only really trying to fiddle with this since 8/15. today I bought a new 30134 accel unit and the fat wrench is the one that works easily on both the new and the old unit. I guess I'll be returning that new one. would it be ethical to return the first wrench with the second unit?
though time will tell, I thought I crept up on the stop and yet I felt it give. Of course my timing tape fell off since I glued it on this morning. Good thing I made copies Richard.
The 276 in this runs great on mechanical advance but I don't consider it to be "tuned".

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/...psda433b78.jpg

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

Re: Bubba,I have a question
 

Richard has these units down pat for sure........:eek::)
Thanks Richard

Speaking of Vacuum Canisters...
 

Jim, do you know a source for the Motorcraft vacuum canister that was used in late '70s clockwise DuraSpark distributors?

Re: Speaking of Vacuum Canisters...
 

I would try NAPA.........