Vacuum advance questions
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 92
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From: Montana
Vacuum advance questions
I am just curious as to how one would determine if the vacuum advance is working properly. I was just tinkering under the hood and started wondering how to troubleshoot a vacuum advance problem and what the symptoms of a faulty advance would be.
Can anyone clue me in on this? My curiosity has got the best of me again!
Can anyone clue me in on this? My curiosity has got the best of me again!
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 330
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From: Missouri
If you need to know if it working take off the cap and hook a vacume punp or suck on the line if the arm moves then it works if it does not hold air then the diaphram is busted and it needs to be replaced
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 179
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From: Central Virginia
This may be redundant, but the first step is to determine if your truck has vacuum advance. The newer TFI distributor systems do not have vacuum advance mechanisms. The EEC computer under the dash controls the TFI timing electronically. The older DuraSpark distributors have both centrifugal and vacuum advance mechanisms.
A timing light will readily show if the advance is working on either type of distributor. If you have a Duraspark unit and don’t happen to have a timing light, just observe the small arm that is attached to the vacuum diaphragm and extends into the distributor body. You should be able to see that arm move as you apply and remove the vacuum tube. Be aware that the carburetor end of the vacuum tube may be attached to a ported vacuum source. If it is attached to a ported source, there will be very little vacuum when the carburetor is idling. Just crack the throttle a little and you should see the timing diaphragm arm move or observe the results with a timing light.
A timing light will readily show if the advance is working on either type of distributor. If you have a Duraspark unit and don’t happen to have a timing light, just observe the small arm that is attached to the vacuum diaphragm and extends into the distributor body. You should be able to see that arm move as you apply and remove the vacuum tube. Be aware that the carburetor end of the vacuum tube may be attached to a ported vacuum source. If it is attached to a ported source, there will be very little vacuum when the carburetor is idling. Just crack the throttle a little and you should see the timing diaphragm arm move or observe the results with a timing light.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Montana
Thanks everyone,
I always feel dumb when I realize how simple the answer is! I tend to make everything more complicated than it has to be.
I always feel dumb when I realize how simple the answer is! I tend to make everything more complicated than it has to be.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 508
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From: Easthampton, Ma.
Youngguy has a talent that I wish more question askers on this board had, he is polite and sincerely appreciates it when someone takes the time to assist him further his education on Ford trucks!
Therefore Youngguy, don't ever feel dumb asking questions. Your overall courteous attitude makes it a pleasure to assist you!
Steve G.
Therefore Youngguy, don't ever feel dumb asking questions. Your overall courteous attitude makes it a pleasure to assist you!
Steve G.
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From: Central Virginia
I agree with 8-Lugs. I found this forum to be a lot of help when I bought my ’84 F150. What you may think of as a dumb question often sparks a thread that is just chuck full of information. I just wish there was a good way to say THANKS to those who sponsor and administer this site. It certainly makes my old truck hobby more fulfilling.
Don’t worry about asking questions and more importantly, don’t hesitate to answer questions. The more participants the better.
Don’t worry about asking questions and more importantly, don’t hesitate to answer questions. The more participants the better.
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