Updated 4/30/2020
Please review DIY 033 Having a problem with starting the car when hot.
Distributor Vac Advance 1959 Lincoln 430.
I found a supplier for the early vacuum advance unit for a 430 MEL Engine.
National Parts Depot
http://www.npdlink.com/modules.php?name=TBird_Catalog
Part Number 7-12370-3 New
Part number for the distributor. #FEW 1212 7-H (922)
I also found this part number of the actual part on my parts car....#FEK 12378-E
Niehoff
Filko
Dependable
B7A-12370-A FoMoCo
Renew the Vacuum Advance Assembly:
The threaded cap can be removed with a 3/4 wrench. Careful….. The vacuum advance assembly contains a spring, a stop, and 2 washers. Washers can be removed to advance the timing or added to decrease the timing. The stop restricts vacuum timing. When the cap is reinstalled insure the brass washer is in place which will seal the vacuum chamber.
Engine Timing Adjustments.
The early model distributor has centrifugal and vacuum advance. The housing also accommodates the centrifugal weights and springs. The breaker plate has ball bearings around the outer edge and should be checked to insure it is free to rotate freely in both directions. If the breaker plate is frozen the engine timing will not advance beyond its initial setting and the engine may over heat. In many cases an overheating condition is treated with other remedies and the problem is really the distributor.
First: set the initial timing and adjust to 6-degrees BTC (Lincoln)for automatic transmissions.
Second: check the centrifugal advance with the vacuum advance disconnected. The timing should advance beyond the initial pre set timing an additional 12 to 14 degrees @ 2000 RPM. If the centrifugal advance is not within those specifications it should be adjusted in accordance with the instructions in the shop manual. Third: Check the vacuum advance. Connect the vacuum source from the carburetor to the vacuum advance unit. Accelerate the engine, @ 1000 rpm the timing should advance an additional 11-14 degrees.
Total advance includes initial, centrifugal and vacuum for approximately 32 degrees.
Note: The centrifugal advance is working as you increase the RPM
Refer to the Shop Manual for your car.
This is the early type distributor this plate sits on ball bearings and rotates as opposed to the new style that pivots. CAUTION: when removing the two screws on the side of the housing be prepared to catch all the balls inside. Its a good idea to thoroughly clean the inside as these distributors tend to rust up and stop rotating preventing the unit from advancing at all! (added for Christian 09/2022)
This is the late model Distributor Vacuum unit with a curved arm. Also see below.
Both engines are 1959 Lincoln. The early model uses the same set up as a 57 T-Bird. The late model in the last picture has a pivoting Breaker plate. Late 1959 to 1967 Ford Lincoln Mercury Vacuum Advance, Fits 58-64 Ford Full Size V8, 65-67 Mustang 260 289 V8, 59-60 Edsel V8, 59-65 Lincoln, 59-64 Mercury. This part with the curved arm is available from http://www.brilesvintageautoparts.com. #4-1308,
Thank to Kultulz Theo and Paul National Parts Depot 800-368-6451 and Briles Vintage Auto Parts
