Sun distributor machine

3twinridges

3twinridges

Well-known member
Folks, bought a really cool piece of history today, an old Sun MD-1 distributor machine. Plugged it in and it works, even the vacuum pump. The flashbulb was weak and went out so it will need some electrical attention, but I think it’s a good start. I talked to Mark at Paramount- really good guy, and hope he has parts kits to get it back into good shape.

On the vacuum pump, I just have the rubber hose, no fitting for the vacuum canister on the distributor being tested. What have you folks used there or recommend to create a good vacuum?

Thanks

JB
 
Use the same kind of fitting that is used for vacuum that’s on the car with a short section of steel tubing to slide the rubber hose onto.
 
find a broken carb to dist pipe ---get a new fitting and add a short piece of tubing , you will end up with a collection of fittings and hose adapters
 
Got it, did that and everything is working.

The flash bulb is working, it’s just really weak. Charging the 6v battery just in case that’s it, but thinking I am going to at least need the capacitor kit from Paramount.

JB
 
I have the same machine, it's complete and operates ad it should, with a new kit grom Paramount. For some interesting upgrades,visit "Opera" on you tube.
Tom
 
Received the capacitor kit from Mark at Paramount and the machine works great. Question on the vacuum pump, what have you guys done to get precision vacuum pressures that the Ford loadamatics need to set the springs? Getting 2.85” for example is difficult on the non precision machine gauge.

JB
 
Interesting question. What's needed is some kind of calibration or reference standard. Maybe the manual talks about this. Is there any adjustment for the vacuum indication? It is probably pretty simple design, so not a lot to get out of whack.
 
Crankster said:
Interesting question. What's needed is some kind of calibration or reference standard. Maybe the manual talks about this. Is there any adjustment for the vacuum indication? It is probably pretty simple design, so not a lot to get out of whack.
Click to expand...

The tester has a vacuum gauge on it, problem is it goes from 0 to around 15”. The loadamatics use a really low signal, and getting that precise seems impossible with the gauge and the increments on it. I was thinking of splicing in a tee into the line and adding another gauge to that tee, if I could find a gauge with a dial that was that precise, say 0-5” or something like that?

JB
 
Lucky you. Every time I buy a vintage instrument it is magically broken, although I was promised it works perfectly. Last one I sent to KY to have it repaired. "can't be fixed Gene". I told him to keep it and use it for parts for the next guys.

I'm a decent guy. However, it makes me wish bad things happen for those sellers...
 
3twinridges said:
Question on the vacuum pump, what have you guys done to get precision vacuum pressures that the Ford loadamatics need to set the springs? Getting 2.85” for example is difficult on the non precision machine gauge.
Click to expand...

It is critical to know what units you are working with, inches of Hg (mercury) or inches of H2O (water). Mercury is 13.5 times more dense than water, so the reading for 2.85 in Hg using water in your manometer would be 2.85 x 13.5= 38.475 in. H2O. You need a manometer about 5 foot tall to measure that pressure differential using water in the manometer.

It is easy to make a manometer with a board and some clear tubing. Don't put too much vacuum on it or you will suck all the liquid out. Good luck with your new machine.
 
marko39 said:
like the one your tester has.
Click to expand...

Agreed, I found it last night. It slides up from the tester case. Problem is that it’s in need of restoration, gauge readings are missing, etc. I need to find someone to restore it or find a better one.

JB
 
3twinridges said:
Folks, bought a really cool piece of history today, an old Sun MD-1 distributor machine. Plugged it in and it works, even the vacuum pump. The flashbulb was weak and went out so it will need some electrical attention, but I think it’s a good start. I talked to Mark at Paramount- really good guy, and hope he has parts kits to get it back into good shape.

On the vacuum pump, I just have the rubber hose, no fitting for the vacuum canister on the distributor being tested. What have you folks used there or recommend to create a good vacuum?

Thanks

JB
Click to expand...
sun made beautiful equipment. My brother in law used to sell their equipment and I was always impressed by the equipment.
I remember one console took up an entire wall.
 
I found a digital manometer on Amazon that I think will work. I think teeing that into the vacuum pump will help with a more precise reading.

JB
 
the sun manometers suffer from corrosion caused by being close to the 6 volt battery and the fumes from charging.
 
The gauge reading should be in inches so a piece of a tape measure could replace what is missing.
 
Well I was able to source a replacement manometer for the tester. Anybody know what fluid should/could be used as a substitute to the sun fluid?

I also have a digital one coming, but think the original one would be cool to use also!

JB
 
3twinridges said:
Well I was able to source a replacement manometer for the tester. Anybody know what fluid should/could be used as a substitute to the sun fluid?

I also have a digital one coming, but think the original one would be cool to use also!

JB
Click to expand...
it takes a red gauge fluid with a specific gravity of .86 . try looking for Dwyer gauge fluid for manometers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top