Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2013/6/16 13:48:20

I'm embarrassed, but more so should be the 'professionals' at the shop I took the car to. This entire fluffing was due to the right screw holding the distributor to the engine being loose. That's right.

When I was installing the new vacuum line for Carter carburetor, the vacuum advance itself (and the distributor with it) moved a bit when I was fitting the pipe. I wondered about that, but was more concerned that I return it to the original position, believing, per the professional shop, that the problem was the carburetor. Once I knew the new carburetor made no difference, I knew it had to be something else.

Then when JW mentioned the vacuum advance again, I disconnected the line and with a slight tug I could rotate the distributor a couple of inches. That movement could nullify the affect of the vacuum advance at higher RPMs. I managed to get a short fat screw driver on screw holding the collar, but it was tight. So was the screw on the left side next to the advance marks. That left the screw on the right, under the grease holder. It was loose because it had no lock washer. The left side had a flat washer and a lock washer.

I discovered in reassembling that there's precious little room for 2 washers on the right side, so used a lock washer only.

I pulled the distributor, cleaned up the fasteners and collar, and made a new gasket. I reassembled everything and went for a test drive.

Problem solved. So much power! What a wonderful Father's Day gift. I'm driving down to Salem for beer-can chicken and thrilled I can drive the Duchess. Thanks to JW for reminding me to check it.