Dissection of the failed distributor vacuum advance unit

[c_j]

Starting to pry the lip on the upper chamber:

starting_the_pry.JPG

using a Proto #1204E 1/8" combination wrench

Starting to pry a little more:

starting_the_pry_2.JPG

using a piece of bent sheet metal with a small hacksaw gouge

The tool:

sheet_metal_pry_tool.JPG

The intermediate pry tool was a flat screwdriver blade, and then the mini vise-grips which finished the job:

upper_chamber_pry_complete.JPG

Removing the upper chamber (showing diaphragm adhesion):

removing_upper_chamber.JPG

Upper chamber removed:

upper_chamber_removed.JPG

Ruptured upper diaphragm:

upper_diaphragm.JPG

Prying the lower chamber:

prying_the_lower_chamber.JPG

The tools used here were a blunt scratch awl, a flat screwdriver, and a pair of pliers.

prying_the_lower_chamber_2.JPG

Lower chamber removed:

lower_chamber_removed.JPG

That wood you are seeing is a little jig I made to hold the vacuum advance firmly (not intended to resemble your pet or any trademark character):

vacuum_advance_clamp.JPG

Made by drilling 4 small holes to make slots for the ports, and then using a 1&3/4" hole saw, then handsawing the thing in half.

Die grinding the rivet which (I thought) held the assembly together (do not do this):

die_grinding_the_rivet.JPG

By fluke I discovered that all you do is push and turn (like on a radiator cap):

diaphragms_separated.JPG

A better view of the jig:

view_of_the_clamp.JPG

Lower diaphragm removed:

lower_diaphragm_removed.JPG

[c_j]

There is a leak along a crack in the diaphragm, but not a total failure yet:

leaky_lower_diaphragm.JPG

All the parts in order of assembly:

parts_in_order.JPG

Close up of parts - side 1:

parts_side_1.JPG

Close up of parts - side 2:

parts_side_2.JPG