What is this hole in the distributor for?

[Anonymous]

I just got my remanufactured dual advance distributor in from NAPA today. I was surprised to see that they used a dual vacuum canister and just plugged the inner port. Would/does this affect the advance operation of the dizzy in any way?

Question 2: There is a hole on the outside just below the breaker plate housing with a small plastic plug in it. It goes all the way to the shaft. Is this a vent? Or maybe a place to oil the shaft? Here's a pic. of it: (you can see the black plug in the picture)

Does it need to stay plugged?

 

[Junk-Falcon]

it shuld

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response.

It brings up one more question: when does it need oiling?

 

[Junk-Falcon]

ppp

 

[addo]

I've dismantled too many dizzies... A lot have "tarring" due to old, dry oil residue burning onto the shaft in the bushings. Suggest every 5-6K miles a few drops would be prudent. Excess will run down the shaft into the motor.

The mech advance needs lubing occasionally - remove the "breaker plate" or its electronic equivalent and lubricate the weights and pivots with either dizzy points lube or engine oil. Lube the pivot points and vacuum advance attachment "eye" when you reasssemble.

Remember that excessive apparent timing chain play can be wear in the distributor bushings (leads to play in gears meshing).

Regards, Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

addo,

I'm so glad you mentioned that. What is considered excessive timing chain play? I dropped my oil pan today and noticed some play in the timing chain. But, since this is the first timing chain I've actually touched on a car, I don't know what the normal play range is (or how to measure it, for that matter). Someone please enlighten me.

 

[addo]

While one chain side is drawn tight, more than ½" side-side play on the other "run" is considered excessive. Does this help?

 

[MustangSix]

According to my service manual, it gets lubed at every oil change.

We've gotten so used to modern cars that need little more than gas and oil that we've forgotten about 6000 mile chassis lubes, 12,000 miles points and plugs, brake inspections and adjustments, steering inspections, etc.

 

[Anonymous]

Does this help?

Not really

I just have the oil pan off, so I'm just looking at a small section of the chain from the bottom. Can I measure the slack that way? If I can push the chain up 1/2" or more, it's too loose?

 

[addo]

OK, if you can achieve movement of ½" or more perpendicular to the run of the chain, it's too loose. If in doubt, buy a timing set off Mike.

 

[Anonymous]

I checked it last night. It does have movement, but it's a little less than 1/2". So I guess I'm OK for now.

Now, I just have to get the new dizzy in the right place. I thought I had it right last night, but the car wouldn't start.

 

[LaGrasta]

I never knew what that flapper was for nor did I know a dizzy was to be oiled. I learned just in time for this to apply to none of my new cars. At least my Falcon won't be neglected in this way any longer. Thanks again for all the information you provide. I love the exchange.

 

[MustangSix]

After re-reading the original post, one thing I have to point out again is that in the catalogs, the distributors are listed as either single or dual advance. The term dual does not refer to the vacuum and centrifugal advance mechanism, it refers to the vacuum canister. If you go in and ask for a dual advance distributor, you will get one with the dual vacuum. canister.

All points and Duraspark distributors from 68 - on have both centrifugal and vacuum advance. Don't confuse the counter dummy with terminology like "dual advance".

TFI distributors used with the EEC systems have no advance mechanisms.

 

[Anonymous]

I am aware of the differences. I've noticed that many on this board confuse dual advance and dual vacuum alot. I'm the type that looks up all the part numbers before going to the parts store, and so I just hand him my list (no CD at this store - it's a small town NAPA store w/a very knowledgeable parts guy).

The part he ordered (from the #s I gave him) was a single vacuum dizzy. I even printed out the NAPA part summary page for it, and it shows a single vacuum advance unit. That's why I was very surprised to find a dual vac. unit with the inner port removed and a plug in its place. Guess they are just having trouble getting the single vac. advance units to rebuild the dizzys b/c I searched for a replacement single vac. unit on their site, and they only have dual vac. units.

 

[strat1960s]

Hey, I knew about the oil flapper on the dizzy, but where can I get one? I tried to take my old one out and it wouldnt budge.

Ted