Vacuum advance fail - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SJLenz1340 · 07-22-2020, 06:03 PM

Doing a tune up on the ol’ rust bucket and when testing the vacuum advance unit I found it to be nfg. This is an old points type, I have the new unit and have questions regarding its replacement. How do you get the bloody thing out of there? Does the point plate have to be removed? And if so are we talking about a complete disassembly of the distributor? Perhaps it should go to a pro?

Thanks for the help gentlemen!

68 P.O.S. · 07-22-2020, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJLenz1340

Doing a tune up on the ol’ rust bucket and when testing the vacuum advance unit I found it to be nfg. This is an old points type, I have the new unit and have questions regarding its replacement. How do you get the bloody thing out of there? Does the point plate have to be removed? And if so are we talking about a complete disassembly of the distributor? Perhaps it should go to a pro?

Thanks for the help gentlemen!

I've only used HEIs (but am familiar with points), but they are similar. Should be as simple as removing the distributor cap and rotor, then taking out the 2 screws holding the vac advance in and pulling it out.

SJLenz1340 · 07-22-2020, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68 P.O.S.

I've only used HEIs (but am familiar with points), but they are similar. Should be as simple as removing the distributor cap and rotor, then taking out the 2 screws holding the vac advance in and pulling it out.

I have the distributor on the bench at this point and wear items are removed. I can rotate (carefully) the point plate against spring pressure to remove the two screws, but there is insufficient clearance to remove the 90 degree pin that inserts into the point plate from the vacuum advance can.

**Steeveedee** · 07-22-2020, 07:14 PM

You have the screws out, just rotate the breaker plate so that the flange of the advance clears the body of the distributor, then push the pin down with a screwdriver or something, if needs be. It'll go.

SJLenz1340 · 07-22-2020, 07:32 PM

Let me give that a try! I was attempting to not stress the point plate too much.

toolboxchev · 07-22-2020, 10:22 PM

Try the fully adjustable unit from Pertronix. It gives you some working room for 87 octane fuel.

07-22-2020, 06:03 PM	#1
SJLenz1340 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ingleside, IL Posts: 56	Vacuum advance fail Doing a tune up on the ol’ rust bucket and when testing the vacuum advance unit I found it to be nfg. This is an old points type, I have the new unit and have questions regarding its replacement. How do you get the bloody thing out of there? Does the point plate have to be removed? And if so are we talking about a complete disassembly of the distributor? Perhaps it should go to a pro? Thanks for the help gentlemen! __________________ Regards Steve

07-22-2020, 07:14 PM	#4
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,083	Re: Vacuum advance fail You have the screws out, just rotate the breaker plate so that the flange of the advance clears the body of the distributor, then push the pin down with a screwdriver or something, if needs be. It'll go. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

07-22-2020, 07:32 PM	#5
SJLenz1340 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ingleside, IL Posts: 56	Re: Vacuum advance fail Let me give that a try! I was attempting to not stress the point plate too much. __________________ Regards Steve

07-22-2020, 10:22 PM	#6
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Vacuum advance fail Try the fully adjustable unit from Pertronix. It gives you some working room for 87 octane fuel.



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