1954 Mercury Monterey vacuum advance module

[gtmomerc]

Does anyone know the part number for the 54 vacuum advance module? The Monterey I just bought had the vacuum port plugged on the Holley and was missing the vacuum advance on the distributor. It appears that it has the original distributor (no mechanical advance) and stumbles and backfires while accelerating which makes sense. There are some on the net but I think the 54 module was unique? Thanks!

 

[dmsfrr]

I believe it's the same as used on the 55's. ?

https://www.parts123.com/parts123/y...~S5RC0XFZGY73268419214x~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50001033a

 

[rotorwrench]

Ford was always making changes as newer performance options were added. The Holley Load-O-Matic system would likely be set up for the 256 in the Mercury cars but it depends on the performance level. The vacuum actuator and distributor body were likely the same but the springs that control the advance/retard movement may have been different. Changes were made in 1956 and again in 1957. A lot of it was changed for updated carburetor design. There were 2V and 4V carbs with different horse power ratings. Whether it has an automatic or a standard transmission could also be in play. This stuff can have an effect on timing depending on the performance level of each application. This is where it's handy to have the parts catalog for at least the 1954 Mercury model year.

I checked the parts catalog and it does use the basic replacement diaphragm canister. The Ford P/N was B5S-12370-A.

 

[gtmomerc]

Hill's didn't have it. Mine is three inches in diameter. The 55 apparently is 3 3/4" Is there a kit to replace the Holley/distributor/oil pump ?

 

[dmsfrr]

...I checked the parts catalog and it does use the basic replacement diaphragm canister. The Ford P/N was B5S-12370-A.

"B5S" is a '55 T-Bird prefix

Hill's didn't have it. Mine is three inches in diameter. The 55 apparently is 3 3/4" ...

Try any of the other T-Bird resto parts places.
Look on ebay? But be aware that "NOS" parts are made with diaphragm rubber that is now 65yrs old.

... Is there a kit to replace the Holley/distributor/oil pump ?

Your distributor may have the last-year flat & slot drive for the oil pump and distributor.

Doing the 'leg work' needed to find a newly rebuilt replacement vacuum canister may be the way to go.
You can look for a ('54) Mercury owners club, they'll have better answers than mine.
.

 

[Daves55Sedan]

Tell ya what, I have noticed that all the repro parts suppliers have dis-continued offering the 54/55/56 Ford 2-bbl vacuum advance replacement. Apparently they are assuming that EVERYONE is converting from Load-o-matic to '57 and later mechanical advance. WRONG!
Soooo...I looked on the internet and found a place that rebuilds all vacuum advance units a few weeks ago. Sorry I don't remember the name, but it should pop up on the first page if you search in your internet browser. As a last resort in case you can't find a replacement for your 256 Merc.