Distributor questions Options

[mike_the_man]

Hi all,

I have a couple of questions about distributors:

1) I'm putting in a pertronix, and on the old points, there was a ground strap that was connected to the bolt that holds the points in. In the instructions for the Pertronix, it doesn't mention anyhting about the ground strap. Should I use it? I can't see it being a big problem, but the Pertronix mounting plate might not sit flat if the strap is used. Any thoughts?

2) I have a 74 2.0L. On the vacuum advance there are two ports, but on the 74, only one is supposed to be used. Which port is it, and what does it do? Is there any way to test the vacuum canister to make sure that it is working?

Thanks guys,

[McMark]

Originally there was a braided copper wire that was soldered to the body and the advance plate. The rebuilt units have a wire that screws on. Sounds like a rebuilt distributor or somebody's "fix". I'm not sure that you need the strap with a Pertronix because it has a ground wire. I would put it in to be sure. It won't hurt any.

You can test the vacuum advance by getting a piece of hose and sucking on each port and watch the advance plate. Suck some pressure and then cover the hose with your tongue to keep the pressure. If the plate slowly moves back then your canister is leaking. If you've got a handheld vacuum pump (MitiVac) then you can use it. The point is that you should be able to pull a vacuum on either side and it won't bleed down. As for what to hook up where, the ports are different sizes and match the ports on the throttle body. I believe the 1.8 L-Jet cars only have vacuum retard.