55 272 Distributor

[tommyleea]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by 40cpe

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]

Originally Posted by tommyleea

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]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

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]

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Originally Posted by 40cpe

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

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

... 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]

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]

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan

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]

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]

Originally Posted by dmsfrr

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]

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

Originally Posted by tommyleea

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]

Originally Posted by tommyleea

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]

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]

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan

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]

Originally Posted by tommyleea

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]

Originally Posted by tommyleea

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]

Originally Posted by tommyleea

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]

Originally Posted by tommyleea

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]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

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

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

[tommyleea]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

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.