Distributor question

Rockbass

Rockbass

Junior Member
Hi All,
Could somebody tell me what the slotted head screw on top of the distributor does? Car is 1947 ford flathead V8. Thanks in advance. Brian
 

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It adjust the drag or brake for vacuum advance. Others will chime in with a better description . Ken
 
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As Ken states, it is the vacuum brake adjuster (not advance).. In my opinion with today's fuels and assuming your advance weights are working properly you will have the best performance by backing it all the way out. Ford created that to retard the timing on a low vacuum condition such as towing or climbing a steep hill to prevent spark knock. The fuel octane levels these days are that of such that that would be of no concern. VERY slight tension on the piston plunger can help return the advance weights to static if they are sticking slightly and that is the only benefit of turning it in these days.
 
Give your car a test drive about 25 MPH in second gear, then stomp on it. If you don't hear a ping, you can probably adjust the screw out a half turn. Give it another try, then again, until you get some ping. Then give it a half turn inward and try for ping again. If none, lock down the nut and you are good.
 
Hi Brian. I guess all the snow is gone down your way. I got my '46 ready to go, as soon as we get a good rain to get all the road salt and sand washed away. Check the following link for a lot of info on distributors. This is the place I sent mine to get it serviced, although there are others that do a good job as well. I also have a spare distributor if you are interested. I think you have my email


Brian
http://www.bubbasignition.com/
 
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