I need to replace the vacuum advance on my distributor. It's a '72ish points style distributor, converted to Pertronix. I called my local parts store and they told me there were three different options for an advance unit. I can't find any numbers on the distributor to use as a reference. Can someone throw a part number at me that I can pass along to the parts store? Thanks!

 

You should be able to find a number on it. Did you remove the advance assembly from the distributor?

What is converted to pertronix? As far as I knew they only sold whole replacement distributors

 

Pertronix is known mainly for their drop in Ignitor replacement of the points and condenser.

 

I see. Shouldn't have anything to do with the vacuum advance failure I assume. Probably a leaky diaphragm... I would still think there is a part number on there.

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Sorry I wasn't clear with my description. Yes I put a Pertronix unit in my Ford 'points style' distributor. I haven't found a number, where would it be?

 

One thing to think about, throwing it out there - if the vacuum advance diaphragm is shot, it stands to reason at least the possibility the rest of the distributor is well worn with high mileage. Might be money ahead, hassle, just replacing the whole thing?

The distributor number should be stamped or engraved right on the side.

 

Not sure if this will help or not. I took a look at my uncle's 87 460 and this is what I found.





It is kind of hard to make out the numbers on the tag so this is what they read.
7C 11
E3HE
12127
BA

I am not sure if this tag is for the advance or for the distributor itself, but this is what I found.

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My distributor is not very old, maybe 15 years old, but less than 10 000 miles of driving. I bought it as a reman unit. I simply went into the parts store and ordered a distributor for a 72 460 because I knew it would have points. Later on I swapped the points for the Pertronix unit. The diaphragm is leaking. When I called the parts store for a replacement advance unit for the 72 distributor, is when they told me there was three options. My distributor housing has been painted a couple times, so now I can't see numbers anywhere.

 

The number may not even be on the dist. It may have only been on a stamped on a tag like mine, and maybe got lost/thrown away when it was painted.

Best advice: Buy all three and compare shape and mounting surfaces. Return the two you don't need.

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