dist. questions
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
dist. questions
After setting the timming and turning off truck. I tighten the hold down nut and mysteriously the timming and idle changes{obviously from the timming changing}. So I tried tightening it with truck idling, same results. I've tightend it just till it starts to change then back it off just a little and leave it.{Not very tight at all}
What causes this?[single point system]
Also---
Inside vaccum advance port there is a allen screw. What purpose dose it have and if some sort of adjusting feature, how can I utilize it?
[ 74 f-250 390 c6]
Post script;
Still looking for vaccum diagrams.
What causes this?[single point system]
Also---
Inside vaccum advance port there is a allen screw. What purpose dose it have and if some sort of adjusting feature, how can I utilize it?
[ 74 f-250 390 c6]
Post script;
Still looking for vaccum diagrams.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: midwest
you may have loose springs in the mechanical advance inside the dist. also make sure the dist isnt binding up. if it does the cam will turn the whole dist instead of spinning it. not very common but ive seen it once or twice. that will change the timing. as for the vac adv. i hook mine up to ported vac. thats so theres no vacuum until the motor revs and then it slowly advances the timing. the allen screw is an adjustment but i cant remember which way to turn it to do what.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 1
From: Eldorado Ca. USA
I've never seen timing change by the pressure of the clamp, normally its because I am ham fisted and bump the distributor with the wrench. What kind of wrench are you using to tighten the nut with. How far does the timing change when you tighten the clamp down all the way? If I were doing it, I would set the timing that much further off, so when I tightened the clamp, it would move to exactly where I wanted it.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
{Sorry about the font confusion.Here it is in a regular font style.}
[ORIGINAL MESSAGE]
After setting the timming and turning off truck. I tighten the hold down nut and mysteriously the timming and idle changes{obviously from the timming changing}. So I tried tightening it with truck idling, same results. I've tightend it just till it starts to change then back it off just a little and leave it.{Not very tight at all}
What causes this?[single point system]
Also---
Inside the vaccum advance port there is a allen screw. What purpose dose it have and if some sort of adjusting feature, how can I utilize it?
[ 74 f-250 390 c6]
Post script;
Still looking for vaccum diagrams.
REPLY TO POSTS
The timming retards aprox. 8 deg. I didn't think about advancing it that much further. I'm using a 1/2" comb. wrench.I was real carefull not to move the dist. after this happend 4 times/ could a messed up dist. gear cause this??
So turning the allen clockwise would cause it to be more "sensitive" kinda?
Thanks for all the help guys.
[ORIGINAL MESSAGE]
After setting the timming and turning off truck. I tighten the hold down nut and mysteriously the timming and idle changes{obviously from the timming changing}. So I tried tightening it with truck idling, same results. I've tightend it just till it starts to change then back it off just a little and leave it.{Not very tight at all}
What causes this?[single point system]
Also---
Inside the vaccum advance port there is a allen screw. What purpose dose it have and if some sort of adjusting feature, how can I utilize it?
[ 74 f-250 390 c6]
Post script;
Still looking for vaccum diagrams.
REPLY TO POSTS
The timming retards aprox. 8 deg. I didn't think about advancing it that much further. I'm using a 1/2" comb. wrench.I was real carefull not to move the dist. after this happend 4 times/ could a messed up dist. gear cause this??
So turning the allen clockwise would cause it to be more "sensitive" kinda?
Thanks for all the help guys.
Last edited by claude mccumber jr; Nov 5, 2007 at 04:34 PM. Reason: Change lay out
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Okay thanks.
In regards to "TIMING".
Instead of really loosening the distributor hold down bolt just loosen it enough to move the dist then adjust shut engine off and try tightening.
Or.....Also they make a "dog leg" type wrench for dist bolts so you can tighen them with the engine running without worrying about catching the fan.
I found a 2 wrench set for $8.00
In regards to Vacuum diagrams I probably have something here that will work.
This for a M/T though.
I'll check my books for one for an A/T.
In regards to "TIMING".
Instead of really loosening the distributor hold down bolt just loosen it enough to move the dist then adjust shut engine off and try tightening.
Or.....Also they make a "dog leg" type wrench for dist bolts so you can tighen them with the engine running without worrying about catching the fan.
I found a 2 wrench set for $8.00
In regards to Vacuum diagrams I probably have something here that will work.
This for a M/T though.
I'll check my books for one for an A/T.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 236
Likes: 18
I don't believe 'new' Ford distributors are available for our trucks.
I gave up on re-built distributors and got a Mallory Uni-Lite for mine. No problems with it in over 7 years use. My nephew runs an Accel dist in his 78 Bronco and has had similar results with it.
I gave up on re-built distributors and got a Mallory Uni-Lite for mine. No problems with it in over 7 years use. My nephew runs an Accel dist in his 78 Bronco and has had similar results with it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 0
I posted almost the exact same thing in the engine forum.. they all said it was probably the mechanical advance messed up.
Was goign to fix it, have a spare dizzy with a mechanical advance that I *know* works, but stripped the damn phillips holding the covers in. Trying an acid wash to get them out.. but I think I'll just end up replacing this distributor as well (sick of buying distributors for these trucks..)
Was goign to fix it, have a spare dizzy with a mechanical advance that I *know* works, but stripped the damn phillips holding the covers in. Trying an acid wash to get them out.. but I think I'll just end up replacing this distributor as well (sick of buying distributors for these trucks..)
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
I dumped the points dist for a mallory mag breakerless dist having some trouble getting the advance curve right though. I chose this for diversity of coils and addons. Malloryracing.com is a good place to investigate, also in instructions\ page 2\ tips for increased performance and gas milage, gives a good explanation of what the allen screw does. I'm no computer wiz so I dont know how to post the link.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 236
Likes: 18