55 272 Distributor

[dmsfrr]

I guess I am just assuming it won't have much power considering the vacuum advance unit is inop. Not ready to drive yet anyway. Still need to install radiator. Just wanted to hear it run.

True enough. If the Loadomatic vacuum mechanism isn't working correctly you'll have no timing advance. https://www.ctci.org/cracked-exhaust-manifold/

The vacuum canister can easily be tested separately from a potentially stuck points mounting plate.
If only the vacuum canister is bad, a replacement may be available from one of the '55/'57 T-Bird parts suppliers.

It is nice to hear them run for the first time in a while.
.

 

[KULTULZ]

Take the dist cap off and supply 7HG to the vacuum advance canister. See if it holds that value.

If it does vary the vacuum signal and see if the breaker plate moves freely.

Setting up a LOM DIST is much more complicated than a later DUAL ADVANCE.

 

[tommyleea]

Take the dist cap off and supply 7HG to the vacuum advance canister. See if it holds that value.

If it does vary the vacuum signal and see if the breaker plate moves freely.

Setting up a LOM DIST is much more complicated than a later DUAL ADVANCE.

I did have the vacuum advance unit removed, and tested it with vacuum pump. Would move slightly, but wouldn't hold any vacuum. Breaker plate is free.

 

[KULTULZ]

I did have the vacuum advance unit removed, and tested it with vacuum pump. Would move slightly, but wouldn't hold any vacuum. Breaker plate is free.

You need a new canister at the least.

On the dist bowl will be ID Nos. Can you see and rear them?

What vehicle are we discussing?

 

[KULTULZ]

For example-

The 1955 TRUCK 239/256 used one diaphram assy while the 1956 272 used another. It seems many 55's received a 272 upgrade.

 

[tommyleea]

For example-

The 1955 TRUCK 239/256 used one diaphram assy while the 1956 272 used another. It seems many 55's received a 272 upgrade.

I was going to write those numbers down when I had the distributor out, but forgot. I will have to get at them again, and report back. Thanks

 

[KULTULZ]

I was going to write those numbers down when I had the distributor out, but forgot. I will have to get at them again, and report back. Thanks

It's a good idea to write stuff like this down in a journal (service history) so you will know what you have come time for repairs. There is so much mix and match over the years it is difficult to figure it all out.

See what you find on the intake manifold and and block casting nos. @ the DIST.

 

[tommyleea]

Well, I did take some pictures when I had it out. When I go to upload the photos is says site cannot be reached. It is a FOMOCO distributor. On the bottom left of tag is 523..Top right is FEC, and below that is the letter A

 

[KULTULZ]

Thanks for all the info. I think I have a 55 272 ECG car engine, in my 55 F100, because of the location of the dipstick.

There you go, you're learning. Hard to say what has happened since 1955.

Now just to add confusion, I have read several accounts of a 55 TRUCK 272 but in all cases, the VIN (when provided) doesn't match.

Read of one that had a EBY short with a 272 top end, 272 short with a EBV top end, etc.

 

[tommyleea]

Well, I did take some pictures when I had it out. When I go to upload the photos is says site cannot be reached. It is a FOMOCO distributor. On the bottom left of tag is 523..Top right is FEC, and below that is the letter A

These numbers are on a metal tag attached to the distributor not on the housing itself.

 

[KULTULZ]

Well, I did take some pictures when I had it out. When I go to upload the photos is says site cannot be reached. It is a FOMOCO distributor. On the bottom left of tag is 523..Top right is FEC, and below that is the letter A

These numbers are on a metal tag attached to the distributor not on the housing itself.

Now how the crap did I miss that? Gettin' old ...

DIST ID - FEC-A takes B5S 12370-A diaphram.

GOOGLE B5S 12370-A exactly and you should fond NOS. Vacuum test it before installing.

Sorry about that ...

Say it is on a tag? Does the tag say FOMOMCO?

 

[tommyleea]

Now how the crap did I miss that? Gettin' old ...

DIST ID - FEC-A takes B5S 12370-A diaphram.

GOOGLE B5S 12370-A exactly and you should fond NOS. Vacuum test it before installing.

Sorry about that ...

Say it is on a tag? Does the tag say FOMOMCO?

Yes FOMOCO on tag.

 

[tommyleea]

Now how the crap did I miss that? Gettin' old ...

DIST ID - FEC-A takes B5S 12370-A diaphram.

GOOGLE B5S 12370-A exactly and you should fond NOS. Vacuum test it before installing.

Sorry about that ...

Say it is on a tag? Does the tag say FOMOMCO?

A little more confused now. It looks like in the chart that my distributor works with a 4 barrel carb? I thought this distributor only worked with the original 2 barrel, and if you changed the carb you had to change the distributor. Help me out here.

 

[KULTULZ]

A little more confused now. It looks like in the chart that my distributor works with a 4 barrel carb? I thought this distributor only worked with the original 2 barrel, and if you changed the carb you had to change the distributor. Help me out here.

Each DIST is calibrated to the engine it is intended for install. That's the reason for the ID. it gives you specs and the correct parts list. It just so happens your present DIST is from a 272 4V install. It will work on your application, the only difference is that the advance will come in sooner and hotter.

After all of these years, it is hard to say how the engine is assembled or even what it is out of. It would have to go on the forensics bench to diagnose it.

 

[tommyleea]

Each DIST is calibrated to the engine it is intended for install. That's the reason for the ID. it gives you specs and the correct parts list. It just so happens your present DIST is from a 272 4V install. It will work on your application, the only difference is that the advance will come in sooner and hotter.

After all of these years, it is hard to say how the engine is assembled or even what it is out of. It would have to go on the forensics bench to diagnose it.

Copy..Thanks

 

[tommyleea]

Now how the crap did I miss that? Gettin' old ...

DIST ID - FEC-A takes B5S 12370-A diaphram.

GOOGLE B5S 12370-A exactly and you should fond NOS. Vacuum test it before installing.

Would a 7RA-12370-B work in place of the B5S 12370-A? Or could I make it work some how?

 

[scicala]

According to the chart that KULTULZ supplied, the 7RA vacuum canister is for a flathead V8 and 6 cylinders from '49 to '53, so don't think that will work.


Sal

 

[KULTULZ]

Check price here as they seem to have a buncf of it onhand. Make sure to ask if NOS - quality aftermarket ECHLIN - STANDARD - or whether offshore -


http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/igntn-partsprices-pg1.htm

 

[KULTULZ]

Would a 7RA-12370-B work in place of the B5S 12370-A? Or could I make it work some how?

The B5S is a little expensive.

You should be able to use an FAB 12370-A with no problems. The B5S was used for HP engine (FYB LOM 1955) and the FAB 12370-A for STD engines (1954-56). They both (DIST) use the same breaker plate. It should only affect the timing advance rate which is of little concern with 2V engine.

 

[tommyleea]

The B5S is a little expensive.

You should be able to use an FAB 12370-A with no problems. The B5S was used for HP engine (FYB LOM 1955) and the FAB 12370-A for STD engines (1954-56). They both (DIST) use the same breaker plate. It should only affect the timing advance rate which is of little concern with 2V engine.

Thanks for the info..I just ordered the FAB 12370-A...