Distributor Advice for a 73 Bay

[jaket3]

Hi,

I have a new to me 73 bay.

1600 Dual Port engine with Pict 34-3 Carb.

009 Clone. Vacuum port blocked on carb.

It ran OK, but was really lumpy / flat at low revs. Usual 009 problem I suppose.

Anyway I had a spare distributor from my Type 3.
It's Part number is 0213 137 013 ( 311-905-205F)

So I fitted it and it ran pretty well. But then I noticed with the timing light that it is a vacuum advance only distributor. At first I thought the centrifugal bit wasn't working but on taking apart realised it is just a vacuum advance model.

Anyway it runs so much better than the 009. Pulls away much better. Seems to cruise fine too.

But then I was wondering if maybe it will run hot or something else I haven't thought about.

On the timing light it's at 8 degrees at idle (900rpm) then with just a bit of throttle it quickly goes to full advance.

So basically will this be OK on a bus. Any reason to do anything different?

Thanks!

[tasb]

That distributor appears to be working as expected. It delivers about 20 degrees of advance added to your 8 degrees static gets you to 28 degrees. On the open road you might be ok but I would think in traffic you are getting too much advance and producing excessive engine heat. The canister on your 311 F requires only 50 mmHg to fully advance while the SVDA and DVDA require 180mmHg or more to reach full vacuum advance which the 34 PICT is able to provide. Ideally you will want to find an SVDA or perhaps better a DVDA even if only advancing with vacuum but not retarding- which is common.
_________________
Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

[jaket3]

[airschooled]

I’d start with an SVDA myself, preferably a restored original German model from one of the rebuilders here.

The metal “shepherd’s hook” vacuum pipe isn’t necessary for operation, but the hooked routing of the vacuum line keeps liquid fuel from ruining the vacuum can after shutdown. I would route the vacuum advance line around the coil in the mean time.

Robbie

tried to find a close-up photo, but too many dog pictures to wade through..

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[tasb]

Agree, and don't be tempted to buy a new "034" repop.
_________________
Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse