Vacuum pipes from carbs to distrib.

[GarthT]

My mk2 seems to be missing the vacuum system pipes from the carbs to the distributor.

I know these advance and retard the ignition, but how important are these?

Will fitting them make the engine run smoother particulary on tickover?

and where can I get some should I need them?

[CharlieB]

The vacuum advance operates at part throttle to improve efficiency & therefore fuel consumption. Provided the connection at the carb has been blocked (there's only one) the engine should run fine but use a little more fuel.
If it hasn't been blocked you could have all sorts of running problems...

[GarthT]

nope, hasn't been blocked off, and does run a bit rough when cold.

I can see from the manual that the vacuum circuit consists of pipes from the distributor to the carbs, but what would the other item be, some kind of valve?

[Freebird]

There is only one very small diameter pipe running from the carbs to the distributor. No valves, just a pipe - almost always black.

It has a little rubber adaptor on each end which push over the stub pipes on the inlet manifold and the vacuum advance (2" diameter round silver thing) on the side of the distributor. This adaptor is often a 90 degree version. You will find them on Ebay - this one might suit, they are generally all the same diameter you just need to check it's long enough.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Classic-Advance-Retard-Vacuum-Tube-Hose-Pipe-BMC-Ford-/220619137430?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item335dece196

[GarthT]

Thanks for that Freebird.

Am I right in thinking that I will need a T piece so two pipes that come from the carbs can come into one to go to the distributor?

[Paudman]

No m8 only one is connected, the other is blanked off

[GarthT]

excellent, thanks for that.