Vac Advance unit part #?

[RatDog8o8]

I waded through the first 11 pages in this section, and then did a search for "vacuum advance".....either I missed something, or it's not there.

I have the stock Motorcraft ignition setup in my '78 CJ7 , which is fine for what I use the ride for. The only issue right now that I'm having is finding a replacement vacuum advance unit (bad diaphragm - no workee).

There's no part number on the one I have, just "Motorcraft" cast into the housing. The distributor has the following part # - D8FE-12130-AA. I can get another distributor, but mine's fine. No slop, shaft is not worn.

Anyone have any ideas as to what part number the vac unit might be? I don't care who makes it, as long as it does it's job.

Thanks!

 

[IOPort51]

I am sure you have done this but have you called your friendly neighborhood parts house ??

 

[RatDog8o8]

Not the entire list of them, no. Talked to a guy at CarQuest yesterday, but he wants to sell me another distributor. I've checked Autozone online, and they have distributors but no separate vac units. eBay and Amazon (don't laugh, it works..) have some, but the same story - "None of these parts fit your vehicle".

I'm going to check and see what inline six engine was available from Ford in '78, and go that route.....they don't really need to know it's in a Jeep engine.

 

[IOPort51]

A ford 300 will work I think. Have you read the JG ignition upgrade?

 

[mtnwhlr]

I don't think you can just buy that but Rockauto has the replacement dist for $36.89-$56.89 I wouldn't be wasting my time on this.

 

[IOPort51]

Orielly has the advance for the ford 6 and it is $45+ all by itself. I think a new dist. should be in your future.

 

[RatDog8o8]

Yeah, I think so too.....new distributor time. Sucks, because this one's in really good shape for it's age. Oh well, it was worth a shot.

Now if I can find some plug wires that the critters don't like to eat.......

 

[IOPort51]

soak them down with Tobasco or Habanero sauce. Keep a pair of your old socks under the hood (dirty) that works for a while.

 

[RatDog8o8]

I don't care what it takes, as long as they leave them alone. Opened the hood when the engine-replacement project began, and something (I'm voting for squinney/chipmunk) had taken one of the plug-boots completely off, and started on the insulation of two other wires.

 

[gutthans]

Tech Tips

You can start here above to get some research done....you might not find the stock can, but you may be able to figure out a performance replacement from the specs.

 

[RatDog8o8]

I may get "brave" tomorrow and take the unit to a dealership (along with the distributor PN) and see what they say......if for no other reason than the entertainment value.

 

[mtnwhlr]

if for no other reason than the entertainment value.

I'm thinking this is about all you will get but be sure to let us know .

 

[RatDog8o8]

Well, the Jeep dealer is right next door to the Ford dealer, so with any luck.....

 

[RatDog8o8]

Parts hunt update -
The part # for the vacuum advance unit on my '78 CJ7 's AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is J8132802 (according to the parts guru at the local Jeep dealer). Of course, it's an obsolete PN.

On a good note -
(first some background) The machine shop that just rebuilt my engine felt the need/desire to remove the clutch housing locator dowels from the block. I got them back, but mangled to no end. And of course, they're an odd size (9/16" diameter) as opposed to the more-common 1/2" or 5/8" ones that are "out there".

So.....after some researching, it appears that they're still available at the dealer, since the part number is still "valid".....just not for 1978. Apparently, J4005148 was used from '51 through '08 or so....that's the PN for the dowels. $12 later, there's a set on the way to me; should be here on Monday.