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06-18-2021, 08:39 PM | #1 |
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Sun distributor machine
Folks, bought a really cool piece of history today, an old Sun MD-1 distributor machine. Plugged it in and it works, even the vacuum pump. The flashbulb was weak and went out so it will need some electrical attention, but I think it’s a good start. I talked to Mark at Paramount- really good guy, and hope he has parts kits to get it back into good shape.
On the vacuum pump, I just have the rubber hose, no fitting for the vacuum canister on the distributor being tested. What have you folks used there or recommend to create a good vacuum? Thanks JB |
06-19-2021, 05:18 AM | #2 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Use the same kind of fitting that is used for vacuum that’s on the car with a short section of steel tubing to slide the rubber hose onto.
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06-19-2021, 09:15 AM | #3 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
find a broken carb to dist pipe ---get a new fitting and add a short piece of tubing , you will end up with a collection of fittings and hose adapters
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06-19-2021, 09:38 AM | #4 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Got it, did that and everything is working.
The flash bulb is working, it’s just really weak. Charging the 6v battery just in case that’s it, but thinking I am going to at least need the capacitor kit from Paramount. JB |
06-19-2021, 01:48 PM | #5 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
I have the same machine, it's complete and operates ad it should, with a new kit grom Paramount. For some interesting upgrades,visit "Opera" on you tube.
Tom |
06-19-2021, 02:58 PM | #6 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
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07-05-2021, 12:30 PM | #7 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Received the capacitor kit from Mark at Paramount and the machine works great. Question on the vacuum pump, what have you guys done to get precision vacuum pressures that the Ford loadamatics need to set the springs? Getting 2.85” for example is difficult on the non precision machine gauge.
JB |
07-05-2021, 02:01 PM | #8 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Interesting question. What's needed is some kind of calibration or reference standard. Maybe the manual talks about this. Is there any adjustment for the vacuum indication? It is probably pretty simple design, so not a lot to get out of whack.
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07-05-2021, 02:07 PM | #9 | |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Quote:
JB |
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07-05-2021, 03:53 PM | #10 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Lucky you. Every time I buy a vintage instrument it is magically broken, although I was promised it works perfectly. Last one I sent to KY to have it repaired. "can't be fixed Gene". I told him to keep it and use it for parts for the next guys.
I'm a decent guy. However, it makes me wish bad things happen for those sellers... |
07-05-2021, 05:54 PM | #11 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
A manometer might work well for such a low vacuum reading...
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07-06-2021, 07:20 AM | #12 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
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07-06-2021, 09:33 AM | #13 | |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Quote:
It is easy to make a manometer with a board and some clear tubing. Don't put too much vacuum on it or you will suck all the liquid out. Good luck with your new machine. |
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07-06-2021, 12:02 PM | #14 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
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07-06-2021, 01:26 PM | #15 | |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Quote:
I remember one console took up an entire wall. |
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07-06-2021, 02:24 PM | #16 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
I found a digital manometer on Amazon that I think will work. I think teeing that into the vacuum pump will help with a more precise reading.
JB |
07-07-2021, 07:19 AM | #17 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
the sun manometers suffer from corrosion caused by being close to the 6 volt battery and the fumes from charging.
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07-07-2021, 09:48 AM | #18 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
The gauge reading should be in inches so a piece of a tape measure could replace what is missing.
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07-07-2021, 08:31 PM | #19 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Well I was able to source a replacement manometer for the tester. Anybody know what fluid should/could be used as a substitute to the sun fluid?
I also have a digital one coming, but think the original one would be cool to use also! JB |
07-08-2021, 07:21 AM | #20 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
it takes a red gauge fluid with a specific gravity of .86 . try looking for Dwyer gauge fluid for manometers.
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07-08-2021, 08:39 AM | #21 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
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07-08-2021, 02:21 PM | #22 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
Digital manometer came and I plumbed it into the vacuum pump. I should be able get pretty precise with this setup. I tested it and could get all three vacuum levels pretty consistently. Will report back after I perform my first setup.
JB |
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07-17-2021, 07:12 AM | #23 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
I set my first distributor up last night on the sun machine. I took the vacuum pump out, disassembled it and cleaned it. Worked on repairing some wiring connections, and put the correct vacuum control knob in place. With the digital manometer, I could hit all the vacuum settings pretty precisely. Set the point spring tension to 18oz, set the dwell to 28, and then slightly adjusted the springs to hit the advance curves. Lots of adjustments! It was pretty fun to use.
JB |
07-17-2021, 08:08 AM | #24 |
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Re: Sun distributor machine
These machines are a great learning experience . Now you can get new glass for the vacuum gauge.
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