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Technical 59 edsel, ford distributor question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by greg, Jan 29, 2016.

  1. greg
    Joined: Dec 5, 2006
    Posts: 537

    greg
    Member

    Can some one tell me if the point plate for a 58-59 edsel, and I am only guessing a ford is the same, has a return spring for the vacuum advance, or is there a spring built into the vacuum advance unit.
    Its on a 361 edsel motor. I dont have the vacuum advance unit, and the one I found bolts up, but there is nothing to return the plate. The point plate just spins freely without the vacuum advance arm hooked up.
    Or maybe my distributor is missing something.
    The centrifugal advance seems good.
    Thanks, Greg
     
  2. There should be a spring in the vacuum advance canister that works against manifold vacuum when the engine is running. With the canister removed, press the plunger toward the canister. When you release it, does the plunger return to its original position? When connected to the breaker plate it should hold or move the plate to the proper position.
     
  3. greg
    Joined: Dec 5, 2006
    Posts: 537

    greg
    Member

    Is the spring under where the vacuum line connects, if so thats what is wrong. I just have a new canister without anything else, at the moment.
     
  4. The spring should be inside the canister and not visible, though I don't claim to be an expert on Ford engines of this vintage. It should operate as shown in this illustration...

    [​IMG]
     

  5. greg
    Joined: Dec 5, 2006
    Posts: 537

    greg
    Member

    That is exactly what I need to know. Thanks.
    All the web searching I did, and couldnt find a pic I needed like this one.
    Now I need to find my vacuum spring. :) That might be TRICKY one.
     
  6. bedwards
    Joined: Mar 25, 2015
    Posts: 279

    bedwards
    Member

    Looks like you got your answer, but here is a diagram if you still need it.
    [​IMG]
     

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