The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 vacuum advance

Just tryed to install new vacuum advance on my distributor. While engine is off every thing moves freely. Once engine is started I can see advance mechanism attempting to adjust but seems awkward. I think I may be just missing something during set up. Also the original unit which was removed required me to unhook dist lock ring and swing 90deg., new one I had to install a #8 machine screw and a nylok nut with a spacer between mounting bracket and dist lock ring I did not tighten down just a lil slack. Any ideas?

I see views but no replys. I have heard of the petronix ignition, I have installed these on other dists by replacing plate inside dist, is this an option or do I replace complete dist. I just can't give up on old dist this easly. I guess its a guy thing. Has anyone else dealt with similar issue. Is there a difference in brackets on dist or dif vacuum advance units(cars-trucks)?

If the new unit is not like the old unit, and you know the old unit worked, I'd start there as the culprit. Can you post some photos of what you're seeing? That will help us help you.

It sounds like you got an incorrect replacement unit. Why not go back to the properly-fitting OEM part? I see them on Epay all the time, and quality parts vendors like NAPA can probably get the correct part. Stay far away from the mouth-breather computer jockeys at places like Auto Zone for old stovebolt parts!

Edit: Check your IM inbox- - - -I found the correct unit on Ebay
Jerry

Pertronix makes a few different units for a 235 engine. There are 6v and 12v units; and, there are units for the older shorter-cap distributor and the newer taller-cap distributor.

I got a vac-adv for my '54 from one of the truck supply places. It had a sort-of "key shaped" post to engage the link on the distributor. That was not correct for my unit.

I went to a different supplier and got one with the correct link for my distributor. It used a screw with shoulder to engage the link on the distributor.

I don't know which years use these two different kinds of linkage.

Yes my orig is the key shape type, the new has hole which would need screw type mtg., they look identical other than that. My truck is a 55 second series. I have no clue as to which type truck originaly came with but I would like to keep with what was there. I viewed im posts as to ebay source for correct unit. Box looks old and I worry that diaghram is old and cracked now or fail soon.

The vac-adv I got from Classic Parts had the "key shaped" post for the link. If you order from them, ask them to verify that visually before you confirm the order. They have always been very helpful with my orders.