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tommyleea 10-18-2019 10:14 AM

55 272 Distributor
 

So, I figured out I have a 55 272 with ECG 9425 H intake, and a Loadomatic distributor. I have read and read about distributor exchange. The last article I read said that you had to splice the distributor shaft to make it the right length. The Cardone replacement distributor won't work from what I read. Is there any update on a drop in replacement distributor for the Loadomatic with the hex drive oil pump shaft? Thanks.

40cpe 10-18-2019 10:31 AM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Not all Cardone rebuilt distributors have the shorter shaft. If you buy the distributor for the '57 and later application you just measure the shaft to be 6" from the engine mounting surface. The shaft that is too short is 5 3/4".

tommyleea 10-18-2019 10:34 AM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40cpe (Post 1810952)
Not all Cardone rebuilt distributors have the shorter shaft. If you buy the distributor for the '57 and later application you just measure the shaft to be 6" from the engine mounting surface. The shaft that is too short is 5 3/4".

So, Is just the luck of the draw, or a specific number that will work?

KULTULZ 10-18-2019 11:40 AM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyleea (Post 1810955)

So, Is just the luck of the draw, or a specific number that will work?

What has happened is a shortage of FYB DUAL ADVANCE DIST cores. While a SBF dist housing will work in a FYB, the actual SBF dist shaft used is too short. If you order a FYB rebuild and when pulled out of the box is actually a later SBF, just turn it back in.

There is a new DIST being made available but cost is about $500.00.

Look for a take-out from 1957 to 1964 truck. They advanced in design but will work in a retro-fit.

tommyleea 10-18-2019 12:15 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ (Post 1810979)
What has happened is a shortage of FYB DUAL ADVANCE DIST cores. While a SBF dist housing will work in a FYB, the actual SBF dist shaft used is too short. If you order a FYB rebuild and when pulled out of the box is actually a later SBF, just turn it back in.

There is a new DIST being made available but cost is about $500.00.

Look for a take-out from 1957 to 1964 truck. They advanced in design but will work in a retro-fit.

OK..Thanks..

dmsfrr 10-18-2019 02:25 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

3 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by 40cpe (Post 1810952)
Not all Cardone rebuilt distributors have the shorter shaft. If you buy the distributor for the '57 and later application you just measure the shaft to be 6" from the engine mounting surface. The shaft that is too short is 5 3/4".

See photo 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ (Post 1810979)
... Look for a take-out from 1957 to 1964 truck. They advanced in design but will work in a retro-fit.

Yes, and Y-block powered cars '57 to '62.
The '57+ version has a notch to index the rotor, photo 2.
The '54 to '56 distributors have a 'flat' side on the shaft and visible springs, photo 3.

(fyi photo #2, the ground wire from the points to the housing is missing)

Daves55Sedan 10-19-2019 09:13 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

If you are planning to swap an original load-o-matic distributor with a '57-'64 Y-block distributor with mechanical advance, you will need to make modifications to your old teapot carburetor, or scrap the teapot and switch to a later carburetor that works with mechanical advance distributors.
I think the few of us that are still running our '54/55/56 load-o-matics are going to be in trouble soon. The time has already passed since obtaining quality ignition condensers is a problem, and now I also notice that the repro parts suppliers are discontinuing to offer replacement vacuum advance canisters for the 272/292 2bbl.
The good news is, the '57 and later Y-block distributors are a direct bolt-in with no shaft modifications. But they do require '57 and later points, condenser and rotor as the design had changed. Different distributor cap too.
In my experience, you may need to adjust spark plug cables by removing the brackets and pulling the cables further toward back of engine if possible.

dmsfrr 10-19-2019 09:36 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan (Post 1811542)
If you are planning to swap an original load-o-matic distributor with a '57-'64 Y-block distributor with mechanical advance, you will need to make modifications to your old teapot carburetor, or scrap the teapot and switch to a later carburetor that works with mechanical advance distributors.
...

tommyleea, the hassle is... the '54 to '56 distributors advance the timing based only on a 0 to 5 inches of vacuum signal from a '54 to '56 carburetor. The '57+ distributors added mechanical advance for primary timing control and the carburetor vacuum signal was changed to 5 to 20 inches of vacuum.
If you change one you need to change both to match.

There is a fix for some/most(?) early carburetors so they'll control the later distributors correctly.
At this link...
http://www.eatonbalancing.com/2013/0...-distributors/
.

tommyleea 10-19-2019 09:54 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

A bunch to digest. I think for now I will put in new points and condenser. Install and at least get it started for now. Thanks for all the info.

tommyleea 10-21-2019 04:32 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmsfrr (Post 1811027)
See photo 1


Yes, and Y-block powered cars '57 to '62.
The '57+ version has a notch to index the rotor, photo 2.
The '54 to '56 distributors have a 'flat' side on the shaft and visible springs, photo 3.

(fyi photo #2, the ground wire from the points to the housing is missing)

Well, I ordered a set of points for a 55 272, and the points are backwards. I figured a mistake, so I ordered from a different source, and the same thing, the points are backwards. Mine are set up like the ones in your picture. Ends up I had to order points for a 56, and they were correct. Is that strange, or just my luck?

paul2748 10-21-2019 07:49 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

There was a guy on a Tbird Forum with a 55 TBird that had the same thing. Some one screwed up the application.


Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyleea (Post 1812262)
Well, I ordered a set of points for a 55 272, and the points are backwards. I figured a mistake, so I ordered from a different source, and the same thing, the points are backwards. Mine are set up like the ones in your picture. Ends up I had to order points for a 56, and they were correct. Is that strange, or just my luck?


Daves55Sedan 10-21-2019 08:26 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyleea (Post 1812262)
Well, I ordered a set of points for a 55 272, and the points are backwards.


Actually the backward points are for the 215/223 I-block 6-cyl engines. They look identical to the 54-56 Y-block points except mirror image. That is because the V8 distributor shaft rotates counterclockwise and the I-block 6-cyl distributor shaft rotates clockwise.
Get it? I know because I have and run both engines.

Daves55Sedan 10-21-2019 08:33 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

BTW, these Chinese made point sets they've been supplying the past few years are crap. The rubbing block material wears down fast, even if you apply good lube to the distrib cam, and I have had some that the point contacts have actually fallen off the point arm.
I don't know if the replacement '57 and later point sets are any better but I doubt it. If you are getting new condenser, don't buy the Chinese crap either. Go to NAPA and get Echlin brand. Last time I got some, I had to order, but they arrived the next day.

tommyleea 10-21-2019 09:27 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan (Post 1812350)
Actually the backward points are for the 215/223 I-block 6-cyl engines. They look identical to the 54-56 Y-block points except mirror image. That is because the V8 distributor shaft rotates counterclockwise and the I-block 6-cyl distributor shaft rotates clockwise.
Get it? I know because I have and run both engines.

Copy..Thanks..Don't know where the confusion came in, but now I know!

tommyleea 10-24-2019 10:23 AM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyleea (Post 1811575)
A bunch to digest. I think for now I will put in new points and condenser. Install and at least get it started for now. Thanks for all the info.

Well, I reinstalled the dist with new points, condenser, rotor, cap, wires, and plugs. Started right up, and purrs like a kitten. I am afraid all it will do for now is purr. Still contemplating the distributor issue. Thanks for all the help.

dmsfrr 10-24-2019 11:38 AM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyleea (Post 1813319)
Well, I reinstalled the dist with new points, condenser, rotor, cap, wires, and plugs. Started right up, and purrs like a kitten. I am afraid all it will do for now is purr. Still contemplating the distributor issue. Thanks for all the help.

I forgot to mention this before... in case you do decide on a newer distributor.

An oem '57+ distributor with mechanical timing advance usually works pretty well on an engine that still has an older style carburetor. You can leave the vacuum line from the carb plugged since the lower vacuum from an unmodified older carb won't help the distributor anyway.
You may lose a bit of MPG. It's my understanding that's where the (correct) vacuum timing advance setup helps out.
.

KULTULZ 10-24-2019 03:12 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyleea (Post 1813319)

Well, I reinstalled the dist with new points, condenser, rotor, cap, wires, and plugs. Started right up, and purrs like a kitten. I am afraid all it will do for now is purr.

What do you mean, the engine won't accelerate?

KULTULZ 10-24-2019 03:26 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyleea (Post 1810949)

Is there any update on a drop in replacement distributor for the Loadomatic with the hex drive oil pump shaft? Thanks.

Only the Y-BLOCK DUAL ADVANCE DIST

HOLLEY and MALLORY offered dual point mechanical advance distributors for performance engines before the DUAL ADVANCE was introduced in 1957. Be a little hard on fuel but it should fly.

KULTULZ 10-24-2019 03:50 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ (Post 1810979)

There is a new DIST being made available but cost is about $500.00


http://4secondsflat.com/Ford%20Y-Blo...stributors.htm

tommyleea 10-24-2019 05:04 PM

Re: 55 272 Distributor
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KULTULZ (Post 1813443)
What do you mean, the engine won't accelerate?

I guess I am just assuming it won't have much power considering the vacuum advance unit is inop. Not ready to drive yet anyway. Still need to install radiator. Just wanted to hear it run.


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