DIY -- Distributor Vacuum Pod Delete and Vacuum Lockout

[snbush67]

This is a basic overview of how I removed the vacuum pod and locked out the vacuum on my 78 SC distributor. I did not lock out the mechanical advance.

I am not going to go into the tear down as that is covered extensively in other threads.

Here are two assemblies side by side, the assembly on the left is unmodified, the one on the right is locked. You can see that I simply found a screw that fit into the threaded hole that already exist and ground of most of the head so that it would clear the mechanical advance.



Now, put it back together:



Cleaned and lubed:



Line up the plate in the housing, there is only one way you can get it in, line it up using the electrical connection (Pig Tail) hole as a reference:



Bolt it down with a 3mm hex:



Next some washers: (Some don't have any washers, some have two, some have three)



A little lube:



Then a Lock Ring in the lower groove of the shaft:



Next install the starfish push it down so that it is fully seated:

A good check here before you put it on is to lay it upside down on a flat surface to check that al of the pins are flush, if not then straighten them.



Punch in the little pin:

[snbush67]

Now the compression washer (wagon wheel):



Another lock ring holds it all together:



Don't forget the felt piece in the top which does nothing:



Plug in your pig tail and bolt it in:



Add your lower access cover:



Cut a small cover out of aluminum to hide the hole where your vacuum pod used to be:



Use the same screws that held the pod:



And done:




So in review:

Lock Ring, Washer, Starfish, Wagon Wheel, Pin, Lock Ring.

[snbush67]

Reserved Parking.

[village idiot]

Soooo that's what you've been up to!!

Cool stuff Shane, What will locking out the advance do? Won't you have to run a lot of initial timing?

I was gonna mount up the SSI's and my wide band today but I had to order longer studs. I'm dread pulling the old ones from the head

[snbush67]

Hi Tom,

I still have mechanical advance (Weights and Springs). This mod just allows me to remove the vacuum pod as I don't use it with my PMO's. The only purpose of the vacuum pod was to use it to keep the advance plate from flopping around, now that I have locked that plate down I can remove the pod.

The mechanical advance comes from the upper shaft of the distributor and is controlled by the weights and springs which are under the plate.

[snbush67]

Originally Posted by village idiot

I was gonna mount up the SSI's and my wide band today but I had to order longer studs. I'm dread pulling the old ones from the head

Hawaiian Import Parts has the longer studs. Tom, Do you remember when I told you to call me if you need any help? That offer it does not apply to drilling out exhaust studs, your on your own.

I know you have the eagle eye, super centered, sharp shooter, drilling ability but you should have a jig on hand, I borrowed one from Woody but haven't seen or heard form him for a whie. good luck.

[village idiot]

Originally Posted by snbush67

Hawaiian Import Parts has the longer studs. Tom, Do you remember when I told you to call me if you need any help? That offer it does not apply to drilling out exhaust studs, your on your own.

I know you have the eagle eye, super centered, sharp shooter, drilling ability but you should have a jig on hand, I borrowed one from Woody but haven't seen or heard form him for a while. good luck.

Thanks(I think)!

Already placed the order for the studs @ HIP, I'll have them Tuesday.

I also have a few tricks for getting the studs out. And you're right about the eagle eye drilling ability. I've had a lot of luck in that regard.

One thing that I've tried has been to put the appropriate nut on the stud and mig weld it on close to the head. The heat from welding is usually sufficient to help coax the stud out.

Once I get it done we'll have to go for a test drive. Maybe out to John H's place to check on my former gray car

[snbush67]

Originally Posted by village idiot

Once I get it done we'll have to go for a test drive. Maybe out to John H's place to check on my former gray car

I'm in.