Looking for an adjustable vacuum can that works (duraspark distributor)

[manofmerc]

I have two standard ignition brand vacuum advance canisters .On two different vehicles .On my comet it was no issue to set my total vacuum advance .I have a degreed harmonic balancer so with my timing light and by screwing out the    set screw with an allen wrench you can set vacuum advance just like always .This is a vc223 standard ignition advance canister .On my truck you can turn that screw 3-4 turns check your timing and nothing changes .This is a newer vc223 standard ignition canister .The one that actually works is 6-7 years old .I found a post on here I believe someone said the newer vacuum cans just adjust the rate not actually limit anything .The one I am using has 20 degrees or more .Total advance with the canister hooked up is almost 60 degrees ! About 10 more than I need .Any thoughts or sources would be appreciated .Doug

[WerbyFord]

If that newer "can" style adjuster is turned too far, IIRC the screw comes out of the threads & it wont work any more.
The original style with the 2 nuts to disassemble it not only looks original but works far better -
You adjust the rate with springs & shims (just washers), and you adjust the total advance with the bushing length & shims.

Agree that all the "can" style seem to have way too much vacuum advance.

Just make sure you hold the housing with one wrench so it doesn't move (or else you'll twist & tear the diaphragm on an old one).
Then use a 2nd wrench to take off the end nut.

[wayne]

Crane cams makes a good one page 313 in master catalog comes with springs to help tune how fast it comes in i have used a lot of them.Summit used to sell them.

[manofmerc]

You know Werby I thought about that old style advance canister but my distributor is a duraspark .I have to use the newer style vacuum canister .And I remember crane has a kit maybe it will work correctly I will call them thanks Wayne.This is a truck 390 engine it runs really good pulling 20 degrees of vacuum advance though it will ping on cheap 89 octane .That's about 56-58 degrees total .Thanks all . Doug

[cleandan]

The Echlin VC-1810 used to be a good can for lower vacuum, bigger cammed engines.
Look in the Echlin line to see what you can find for your needs.

[FirstEliminator]

I use the V-309. It is made for the points distributor, but you can put it in a Duraspark if you squeeze the arm in a vice to straiten it.  The reason I like this one is because it is adjustable from 0 to 20 degrees.

[manofmerc]

Thanks for those responses I wasn't aware of the Echlin and since I have several vacuum cans. for points straightening one to fit could be an option.I found another vac.can. no number on it and it is just like the other turning the screw does nothing .But after installing it I test drove my truck no pinging and I hooked my car trailer up and made several attempts to make it ping so far so good no pinging .Sometimes it seems whenever I buy 89 octane at a no name gas station my truck will ping .As long as I use name brand gas no pinging.I really think the crane kit is the best buy pricing is in line with the last vac. can. I bought.And sticking with a better quality gasoline .Thanks all ! Doug

[Faron]

WARNING do NOT use a Points Vac Adv in a Duraspark , you can force it , BUT !!! The Dist will be Out of Phase , The Crane Unit is My Choice

[FirstEliminator]

How much out of phase is it?  I've run several for years on my own engine and never had a problem.

[Faron]

Too Much , I suspect you are running the big cap , it effects that saetup less , but I would not / do not recommend it , it can kill an engine , spend an extra 15 bucks and get the correct one

[FirstEliminator]

   Back in the day---pre-internet and penny pinching days, I remember not being able to find a Duraspark adjustable advance. They all had like 20 or more degrees, for use with EGR. But, the one for points distributor was available and adjustable to get the range I wanted.  Now days we can search to find something made to fit instead of modifying a different part.
    Yes, I was using the big cap, I marked on the cap adaptor where each wire post is, left the cap off. Then hooked the timing light to the coil wire to see where the rotor phasing was and where it flashed over each post and it didn't look bad. It didn't seem any further out than what the vacuum advance normally does to phase. Perhaps if I were pulling over 20 degrees it may have gone too far, but I think at the time I was trying to achieve 8-10 in the vacuum.     
   Maybe I will try a Crane advance next time.