'59 Plymouth Forum

Stefan and I have been corresponding about vacuum advance too -- and he has a question from the book that I can't answer. Can you? I've attached a chart of specifications, and I highlighted one entry as an example:

zero degrees @ 6.2" to 7.3"

I presume the measurement is in inches. Inches of what?! Please help us solve the mystery...

Thanks
Dan

P.S. don't forget to click on the pic to see it full size

On page 327 of the 58 Plymouth Shop Manual, there is a small highlighted box which reads as follows:
Important
Before testing, be sure diaphram will hold vacuum.
Connect to vacuum pump on tester and set to give between 10 and 20 inches of vacuum.
Shut off pump. If gauge reading fails, it indicates leak in vacuum chamber and must be corrected.
On page 330 of same book, there is a chart on vacuum control specs.
The lower chart states "...inches of mercury.." I recall using such equipment back in high school in the '70's. It ressembled a blood pressure meter...basically a glass column filled with mercury.
Since the average person doesnt have one at home, I suggested taking the distributor to a reputable rebuilding service. All those vintage Ferraris had distributors...!

by the way, sorry for being slow to reply..the computer wasnt working and i tried to fix it 5X. I had to wait for my wife to return from her business trip. She fixed it in 5 minutes.

Well Roger, that’s quite an information. I’ll complete my book with this information. Anyhow I guess it’s cheaper to buy a new one. Besides I’ve sent an e-mail to your private address. If you don’t receive it, please let me know here.
Thanks!
Stefan

stefan,
I received your Email. Thanks. Yes, coils can get weak and operate intermittently, or quit altogether. If you are sure you have electricity to the points and you can see your points are opening and closing okay, then for sure your coil is bad.
My 361 will be crated up and mailed to you tomorrow. . It is an original, from a 1961 Chrysler. It has never been overhauled, as far as I know. It sat in my project car for many years, un-used. People got me worried, so when I went to start it finally, I put different products in the oil...STP, Mystery Oil, etc. I don't keep records on the car, but I drove it last summer on a 600 mile round-trip, and I am fairly sure I changed the oil prior to leaving. But I will change it again. I am sure it will make a difference.
I believe all of the ignition parts are new.

I do have a "correct" 1959 "361" in the garage, which I might someday have completely overhauled.
I make a living as a carpenter, working on custom homes in the Seattle area.

Roger, Dan,

I didn't forget to answer!!! Tomorrow I'll get the last parts I need and Saturday I'll try to fire it up. Hopefully it'll work!

Stefan

F I R E I N T H E HOLES ! ! !

Installed the new coil, and fired up – runs great!!!
Roger, this might be interesting to you to: I recognized some time before the coil collapsed that my SF had some black smoke. Now, with the new coil, and nothing changed on the carburetor, there is no smoke at all. Maybe this is the solution for your trouble too?!
One more time thanks Dan and Roger for your help!!!

Stefan

Besides the Power Steering Unit is already installed – dry like the Arizona desert!

Well, I had very little to do with your success, Stefan -- although I'm sure Roger's advice did. In any event, I'm glad you're back on the road! Send more pix! Thanks...

Dan

Hurray, Stefan! Back on the road again, better than ever!
I don't recall if my car's coil is NEW new, but, with the improvement you experienced, it wouldn't hurt for me to try another new coil...
Roger

I’ll send some new pictures after eastern. I’m still writing on an article how to rework the Power Steering Unit (complete an in parts)! Have lots of good pictures and experience for all of you. Dan, just give me some time to make it good – ok?
Roger the ignition coil I have is from Summit (SUM-G5220 29.99 $) has 60kv and is a little bigger in diameter than a stock coil. Therefore you have to check if it fits under your air filter. The rest just works great!

Stefan