Distributor Problems

[Fins59]

Engine started acting up again since discovering and plugging vacuum leak going to heater controls. On a recent 120 mile trip she used 14 gal of gas. ($3 + per gal, ouch) Now I discovered vacuum advance was not working. So bought and installed a new one. Car still did not run right. Called one of my buddies over who worked on these cars back in '60's. He discovered play in my dist shaft which screws up my point gap and when vacuum advance pulls plate it screws that function up too. Timing was also off and point gap was way off. So he reset points and and timed it. With vacuum advance line hooked up it ran much better but still ran badly at certain speeds. We unhooked vacuum advance line and it ran much better. Next day was car show so I drove it without incident another 120 miles with VA line unhooked and gas mileage was good and she ran ok. So I figure its time to get new distributor. Me not being more than a "shade tree" mechanic, I would have never found the play in dist shaft. As you guys probably know that dist on the 318 is in an unhandy spot. More on next post.

[Fins59]

Play in dist shaft - My friend (old school) says I should take dist out and have shop press a new .50 cent bushing on. But I think what I am going to do is purchase a new (rebuilt) dist. Dan provided #'s via Dick Koch, NAPA 483820. With that dist I can install a Petronix now or in future. I checked with the local NAPA yesterday and they can order dist - about a $100 total - $58 dist - $33 core charge - $10 shipping = $101. I am going to hang onto my old distributor, hence the $33 core charge. DAN/STEFAN - did youse (Wis lingo) guys install your Petronix yet and did it go smoothly.? One of my Ford friends says the guys on the TBird site recommend installing the Petronix coil right away with the kit.

[rogerh]

If you are not concerned with "originality", and would like your car to run better, go ahead and install the later model distributor, coil, Pertronix. etc. I've been told the improvement will be obvious.

[Fins59]

Roger - Originality under hood is kinda gone right now anyway. When I put disc brakes in front I installed a master cylinder/booster from a '75 Plymouth Duster. But I have old booster (rubber bellows has leak in it). I would like to put rubber bellow booster back in as I like the looks of it. Didn't you mention one time you had yours repaired or know of a good place to have them repaired?

[rogerh]

yes, I recommend Karp's in California..I would have to dig for the address, but maybe you can Google it..

[Faulkner]

DAN/STEFAN - did youse (Wis lingo) guys install your Petronix yet and did it go smoothly.? One of my Ford friends says the guys on the TBird site recommend installing the Petronix coil right away with the kit.

I've been preoccupied with work -- sorry to not have gotten back to you sooner, John. When I had the rebuilt engine put in Faulkner, I had my friend install the Pertronix too. He said it went smoothly! I definitely recommend getting the Flamethrower too -- I didn't install it initially, but since have.

Dan

[Fins59]

Thanks Dan - My cars running good with the vacuum adv unhooked so am kind of procrastinating on distributor/petronix. Your garage project inspired me to get started on mine. (winters coming) Right now I'm only at the stage of removing trees and digging up stumps. Have to keep an eye on the hurricanes as to try and keep ahead of lumber price increases.