I have a distributor with the brake missing from the top. I understand the brake is not necessary with today's fuel. Can I use this as-is, or do I need to block the empty hole somehow?
Some say you still should use it and others say it’s not required. If you plan on running it without the piston brake and ***ociated vacuum line, I would plug the hole(s) to keep **** from getting in.
Probably not for the large opening. Try to find a bolt with the correct threads to block the opening. For the vacuum port you might try silicone. You’ll also have to block any corresponding vacuum hole on the intake or carb that ran to the dist/cam gear cover.
I could be wrong but I believe it is best to retain the plunger brake. Yes, back it off to the minimum, but keep it there to put a slight drag on the disc under low vacuum conditions. In a more modern distributor there are springs to return the mechanism to the base condition (no advance) those springs don't exist in the early ford distributors it is the drag on the disc that brings it back from fully advanced. The drag of the brake also serves to stabilise the ***embly, some people say. Others may say it's not necessary. If you need a brake ***embly you can also find them on the helmet type and they interchange. That might widen your search. Mart.
I was thinking about leaving it off so I can mount the fan as low as possible. I’m building a model T on a model A ch***is with a chopped radiator and I need all the clearance to the hoses I can get.
I would recommend keeping the vac brake in place. Don’t design your other accessory drives without out it, in case you discover after driving that you will need it. My flathead runs on today’s fuel, not a barrel of ancient gas. And my car needs the vac brake.
I agree with what others are saying about leaving it. Bubba built my crab distributor years ago and said to hook it up and just leave a slight drag. It has worked great.
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