Distributor Vacuum Advance
When the engine is idling, the manifold vacuum is low. This low vacuum pulls on the diaphragm in the vacuum advance, which advances the distributor timing. As the engine speed increases, the manifold vacuum drops and the vacuum advance retards the timing.
What is the vacuum advance for on a distributor?
The purpose of the vacuum advance is to provide more spark advance at idle and low engine speeds, when manifold vacuum is at its highest. The extra advance retards the timing at higher engine speeds, when manifold vacuum is low.
How much timing does vacuum advance add?
The amount of timing that vacuum advance adds depends on the amount of vacuum present. More vacuum equals more advance. Most vacuum advance systems provide between 10 and 20 degrees of extra timing, but some can provide up to 45 degrees of extra timing.
How much timing you need depends on the application. In general, the more powerful the engine, the more timing you need. More timing is also needed at higher altitudes, since the air is thinner and engines make less power.
If you have too much timing, the engine will knock and run poorly. If you have too little timing, the engine will also run poorly, but for a different reason. Too little timing will cause the engine to run too hot, since the spark plugs are firing too late in the cycle.
Can you run a distributor without vacuum advance?
A distributor without vacuum advance can be run, but it will not be as efficient as one with vacuum advance. The vacuum advance allows the distributor to advance the timing when the engine is under load, which makes the engine run more smoothly and efficiently.
Does vacuum advance affect starting?
Yes, the vacuum advance can affect starting. The vacuum advance is connected to the engine’s intake manifold and allows the engine to “breathe” easier when the engine is running. This can make the engine run smoother and improve fuel economy. When the engine is not running, the vacuum advance can pull air into the engine, which can make it harder to start.
Does vacuum advance help performance?
Yes, vacuum advance can help improve performance, as it allows the engine to draw in more air, which can lead to increased power. Additionally, vacuum advance can help improve fuel economy by helping the engine to run more efficiently.
How do you test a vacuum advance on a distributor?
To test the vacuum advance on a distributor, you will need a vacuum gauge. Connect the vacuum gauge to the advance unit and start the engine. The gauge should show a vacuum reading. If the reading is low, the advance unit needs to be replaced.
Does vacuum advance retarding timing?
A vacuum advance retards timing when it senses a decrease in manifold vacuum, which occurs during engine load. The purpose of this is to improve engine performance and fuel economy by advancing the spark timing when the engine is under light load, and retarding it when the engine is under heavy load.
How much timing advance is normal?
Most engines will have a timing advance of between 6 and 12 degrees. This is because the higher the speed of the engine, the more advance is needed. The load on the engine also affects the timing advance. A heavier load will cause the engine to run slower and the timing advance will be less.
Does advancing timing make more power?
Yes, advancing timing does make more power. When you advance timing, you are essentially increasing the amount of time that the spark plug fires before the piston reaches Top Dead Center (TDC). This causes the air/fuel mixture to ignite earlier in the combustion cycle, which results in more power.
Bottom Line
If you are having trouble with your car’s distributor vacuum advance, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. First, check to see if the vacuum advance is plugged. If it is, you can try cleaning it out with a wire brush. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the vacuum advance.