I am hearing a pretty loud noise coming from the distributor when I first start the engine. As the engine warms up the noise get much less but I can still hear a slight noise. Is there some checks that I can to to further identify the problem.  Thanks AR

Are you sure its coming from the distributor? About all that can go wrong is a dry bearing in the distributor. What does it sound like?

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Surf: try oiling it, the distributor should have an oil access on the back of it.

Paul

I oiled the distributor and the noise stayed the same at a cold idle. However I discovered that by applying a little down pressure on the dual vacumn advance the noise stopped. With my hand on the distrubitor I can feel vibration and when I apply pressure its stops. Any ideas? Thanks

Rebuilt distributor

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

If you decide to replace the distributor buy  a rebuilt late model one from a 64 F100 pickup with 292.Around $50.00 and you will need a cap and rotor for a 57-73 Ford V-8 if not supplied with the distributor.

  

Will this late model distributor work with the Carter carb I am currently using?

This original set up is in a 1956 Merc 312 Thanks for the information. AR

You can plug the vacuum outlet on the carb and hook the advance into a fulltime vacuum source.You gain the advantage of a dual advance system using the vacuum advance at high engine vacuum at low speed and at high steady speed and the centrifugal advance governed by engine speed.Ford went to this distributor in 57 as it was far superior to the loadomatic system which worked on carburetor vacuum only with no centrifugal system at all.Its also much cheaper to purchase the later distributor than to repair yours I think.Many members have changed distributors for better driveability as well you must change it if you go to a later carb not setup for the loadomatic distributor.There is a lot of previous posts on this topic if you do a search for the info.Maybe Ted will post some links.I cant figure out how to do it.Just mastered posting pictures today.If  you decide to change distributors check a couple of suppliers.The application is 64 f100 pickup with 292.Last application used in north america.They are usually instock at most warehouses and can be ordered in, in one day.

  

Dumb newb question, but I want to learn, so....if the vacuum out from the carb is plugged, what vacuum source would be connected to the '64 distributor?  How exactly would that work?

As always, thanks for the insight!

Not a dumb question! Do you have any vacuum outlets on the manifold?You can use any source of manifold vacuum.If not you may have to consider drilling a hole and tapping it for an oulet.I would think you would want to remove the manifold to do this.