My series 2 has a series one engine (4.2) and has dual carb set up.

My distributor has vacuum advance and I have the vacuum copper tubing with the plastic elbow at one end and a fitting on the other end.

I can't seem to find where the brass fitting screws into.

Pic's would be greatly appreciated.

Submitted by m.giuliani@sym… on Tue, 04/20/2010 - 20:27

I really appreciate all the comments. I simply was stating what I was told regarding the requirement for vac advance or retarding the engine.

The the fact that there is debate is excellent, I am sure my problem will be solved. I wish I was knowledgeable enough to offer some discussion.

I do have a carbs from a 69 but on a pre 69 engine with a mechanical advance distritor. it does seem logical to replace the distributor with a proper one from the appropriate year. Are they available. It looks like the ones out there are supplied by the parts houses are all mechanical advice units.

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Mon, 04/19/2010 - 13:01

Dick I agree but it seems that what Mark has is in effect a 1969 engine that had only mechanical advance-rather than drilling into the carb body and those potential problems what I strongly suggest is that he use the proper dist. and forget all the work. I realize his engine is from something else but the intake and carbs seem to be 1969. If so it is infact a 69 engine--no vac advance or retard!

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Mon, 04/19/2010 - 11:04

Before this thread gets even more confusing, the cars with Vacuum retard ran with the timing retarded until the temperature got high. On some models such as the V12 XKE the vacuum was then cut off effectively advancing the timing allowing the engine to run cooler and more efficiently. Retarded timing can cause the engine to run warmer. The Vacuum advance on the other hand was and is an economy device used long before emission devices. It allows more advance during light loads for more efficient running for better cooling and more MPG.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Mon, 04/19/2010 - 10:25

NOT IMPORTANT. Since when? Of course it is important, how on earth can the engine run efficiently at higher speeds without an advance system? Some people get confused by the smog retard system fitted to many US models. The fact is they were always on advance which at lower speeds could lead to overheating so a temperature switch was included to retard the ignition over certain temperatures.

Submitted by m.giuliani@sym… on Mon, 04/19/2010 - 09:05

Hi George,
Further discussion at a jag swap meet this weekend, I was told the same that I didnt really need the advance function anyway. I saw a series 2 there and there was no vac advance on the distributor and speaking to others they concur with you that it is not important. I'm going to plug the nipple on the distributor and run it without.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Sun, 04/18/2010 - 23:07

George, he needs to have ported vacuum not manifold even if there is a tap off underneath -like the V12's it is manifold. Re cap, yes, of course I had the same colour on my 220 mercedes.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 04/18/2010 - 15:08

Mark do not drill into the carb body--It seems you have a manifold from a 1969 but you can make sure by checking under the front carb and see if there is a vac-port--if the manifold is from late 69 or 70 there should be one. Also your vac advance is not that important and please do not be offended but the one you have does not look that up to speed. Have you tested it? If you are determined to have a port look toward a place in the manifold--more room for mistakes and a lot more territory to deal with. To William aftermarket caps (especially from Germany) were often that brown color.

Submitted by m.giuliani@sym… on Sat, 04/17/2010 - 15:58

Some pic's added

Attached is a pic of my intake manifold and carbs, I have indicated where I think the vacuum ports at the carbs should be, I guess I'm missing the nipples that allow for the vacuum tube to be attached.

I have also added a pic of my distributor.

Have located the vac. ports ?

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Fri, 04/16/2010 - 22:39

If you are sure there is no ported vacuum outlet anywhere you will have to make one, The normal spot is on the top of a carb mounting flange just outside the manifold, You will simply have to remove the top and piston so that when you drill the hole you can vacuum out the shavings, A simple section of brass or steel tube will suffice or you may be able to find a "kit" in any good parts house, you can then connect it with a rubber tube. I nicer job would be to find an original adaptor and tap the flange,

Submitted by m.giuliani@sym… on Fri, 04/16/2010 - 12:53

You are right, the engine is a mix and match of different years.

I will take pictures of everything and post.

What I can make out so far is

1. has dual carb set up
2. has vac. retard system based on the distributor that is on the engine given your discription
3. as far as the head goes it is a Mark X head (from the ser. number stamped on the head)

Will get proper pictures as soon as I can.

Thanks for your assistance,

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Fri, 04/16/2010 - 11:35

Mark there were no series one E Types with a dual carb system unless you have a system from the 1968 E (then it does). If so there was a small tube that inserted into the manifold near the front that fed the advance on the Dist. What you need to get a proper answer is to post a picture of your manifold and give us the serial number of the engine and the Dist! Series 2 E Types either had no advance (1969) or a vac. retard (rest of the series). Let us know!