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Old 05-14-2020, 03:09 PM   #1
shew01
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Default Distributor Oiling

As I understand it, there are two places to oil the distributor:

1. The hole in the can screw
2. The brass sliding tube at the base of the distributor

Both holes are small. What do you use to get oil into them?



I understand that Vaseline can be used on the points cam. Should any lubrication be added to the stop of the rotor? If so, what should be used?







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Old 05-14-2020, 03:24 PM   #2
Gary WA
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

point cam lube,oil- fill side tube and squirt some in top hole.
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Old 05-14-2020, 04:04 PM   #3
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

Yes, as above, -use a squirt oil can that you can add a few drops of oil. Ironically, it does not take but a few drops at regular intervals (i.e: 1,000 miles) to keep the bushings happy.
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Old 05-14-2020, 04:07 PM   #4
Jack Shaft
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

Di electric grease works well if you can find point cam lube.
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Old 05-14-2020, 04:20 PM   #5
shew01
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

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Originally Posted by Gary WA View Post
point cam lube,oil- fill side tube and squirt some in top hole.

It turns out I have some cam shaft lube.

I’ve tried oiling, but I don’t think any oil is actually getting in the distributor. This is my oiler.





Is there something better to use?


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Old 05-14-2020, 04:21 PM   #6
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

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And does the rotor need any lubrication between it and the distributor cap?


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Old 05-14-2020, 04:52 PM   #7
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

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Originally Posted by shew01 View Post
and does the rotor need any lubrication between it and the distributor cap?


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no !!
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Old 05-14-2020, 05:07 PM   #8
Bill Goddard
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

I use the tube of lube oil from A suppliers. Also, I have started to remove the dist housing from the head once a year and look for rust in the hole at the interface of the dist shafts. They cake up with rusty mud and the first time I found it I couldn't believe the engine ran. It showed no problems before. The second time was 9900 miles later and it was all rusted up again.
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Old 05-14-2020, 05:08 PM   #9
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

A little dab of point cam lube on each lobe of the cam.

A couple drops from from your oil cam to the shaft [ 2 places]

Nothing for the rotor
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Old 05-14-2020, 05:17 PM   #10
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

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Originally Posted by Bill Goddard View Post
I use the tube of lube oil from A suppliers. Also, I have started to remove the dist housing from the head once a year and look for rust in the hole at the interface of the dist shafts. They cake up with rusty mud and the first time I found it I couldn't believe the engine ran. It showed no problems before. The second time was 9900 miles later and it was all rusted up again.
engine running too cold, trips too short to boil off moisture

I you fill the side oiler as per the instruction book (fill it full)the upper bushing gets lubed

the center button is carbon, pretty much self lubing, though a rusty rotor contact or hole worn in it will eat the carbon button
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Old 05-14-2020, 05:41 PM   #11
shew01
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

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I you fill the side oiler as per the instruction book (fill it full)the upper bushing gets lubed
Filling the side oiler full only takes a couple of drops, and I just had the distributor off for cleaning. I would have thought it would take more than a couple drops, which is why I’m wondering if side oiler is plugged up or if I need a more proficient tool to oil it.


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Old 05-15-2020, 08:31 AM   #12
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

The hole in the cam screw only works IF the shaft below it has the hole also.
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Old 05-15-2020, 11:02 AM   #13
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Default Re: Distributor Oiling

The Cam screw hole was not original, is a modification to the screw and shaft to aid oiling the upper distributor bushing. If you reference the manual it instructs you to fill the oil cup to full where it will not take more, and during running the oil is supposed to migrate up into the upper bushing.
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