Idling / Power
Looks like I got a F163 engine. If anyone needs it, here is a link to the overhaul manual for this motor.
http://manuals.chudov.com/Continental-Engines/Continental-L-Head-F-163-etc-Overhaul-Manual.pdf
A suggestion....
Remove distributor cap and rotor.
Grasp the shaft and try to "shake" it side to side or "wallow" it around.
If there is a noticeable amount of slack shaft movement in the housing
that could be your trouble.
Upon acceleration and deceleration the shaft
is not actually keeping it in "time" as it "wallows" around
Slow starting and weak power as it fluctuates.
Best test is to "borrow" a distributor from a running F163 engine, carefully
recording the positions of each on paper,(or phone pics) swap out and try.
Should this be the trouble......
Cheapest fix if you are handy with tools is to replace the bushings in the
housing. It has two, one top and one lower.
Again record the locations of cap/rotor positions, the hold down and wires,
remove from engine, get a clean workbench area, and disassemble.
With housing separate, split the bushings and remove. take the shaft and
housing to a good bearing house and get oil-lite replacement bushings.
PRESS these in, polish the insides a little, polish up the shaft it's length
and reassemble correctly (you did note how it came apart).
Reason for this is the truck was 46 years old this past June. Some of the
old ones had oil cups, or even a grease fitting, neither of which was usually
ever used. As long as it cranked and run, this is not noticed.
The part number for a new distributor from Clark is /was 1616771.
Luck!!!!
