Mystery Object (to me anyway).

[amgrave]

I used to run a Ford Escort MK1 years ago and enjoyed working on it and got to know it inside out. Now I have a moggy and have got to pick up on a few differences between them. One thing I am wondering about is what the bulbous thing on the vacuum advance line is for (see pic). My thoughts are it's a reservoir so the diagram does not move too sudden, can't be an oil trap as there should not be any oil in the line. Answers on a postcard please [frame][/frame]

[philthehill]

Your mystery object:-
Pt No: 2A546 / 12A111 / 12A1007 dependent upon Com number,
It is a trap which contains a fine-mesh gauze to stop fuel mixture reaching the distributor vacuum advance.
See BMC Wksp Man Section CC.11 for further details.

[amgrave]

Thanks for the answer Phil. I did consider that was it's purpose but discounted it as I would have thought the vacuum itself would have stopped any fuel mix finding it's way to the vacuum advance on the distributor. There was a similar system on the Escort engine minus the bulb, just a straight through pipe. Learning all the time.

[RobThomas]

Acts as a flame trap in the same way as a Davy Lamp. The fine gauze lets air pass but not a flame (backfire through the carb?). The plastic later ones would just jump off, I guess.