Distributor lubrication?

[rigspelt]

Our distributor's flyweights are a little rusty and dry-looking. I replaced the rusted out springs. When I did that, I removed the flyweights and cleaned them, but did not put any lubricant on them. Someone said not to, because it can attract grit. But Robert Hess' notes indicate they should be lubricated. What is the best lubricant to lightly brush them with? I think they could use something.

[rigspelt]

Finally found it: Don explains how to clean and oil the flyweight assembly on pages 24-25 of his newsletter compendium. My plan is to remove them again and lightly oil with Marvel. They flick outward and return when I spin the shaft, so that should be sufficient. Also need to remember to check that I did not reinstall them upside down.

[sastanley]

guess I need the compendium too then. :confused:

[Administrator]

Don has published on the forum several snippets from his newsletter compendium. Here's the info mentioned above. I'm not sure whether it's been uploaded in this form, but it is freely provided here:

INSPECTION AND SERVICING DISTRIBUTOR:

1. Note the mounting of the condenser and points, and remove them (one small screw for each).
2. Remove the points and the condenser mounting plate by removing the two small retaining bolts on each side of the plate.
3. Inspect, clean, free up, and oil the centrifugal advance mechanism. This is very important. Approximately half of the engines I disassemble for overhaul or for parts have their advance mechanism rusted tightly in place. Carefully take a small screwdriver and check the flat fly-weights for freedom of movement against their small springs. If both are free, simply wash the mechanism with gasoline, dry thoroughly and re-oil with a light oil. Marvel Mystery Oil works well.
If the mechanism is rusted, you’ll probably have to remove its two small retaining bolts and disassemble the mechanism for cleaning. The good news is that if you found your advance mechanism in this condition, you will be greatly improving the performance you have been getting from your engine. When these mechanisms are rusted, they are almost always stuck in the zero advance position.

REASSEMBLY OF THE DISTRIBUTOR:

1. Reverse the previous steps and replace the condenser and points....
2. With the mounting screw for the points slightly loosened, slide the lower plate of the points back and forth, so that with any one of the four lobes on the shaft holding the points at their most open position you measure a gap of .025” across the points for late models (Delco), or .018” - .020” for early models (Prestolite).

REINSTALLING DISTRIBUTOR:

1. With rotor installed and positioned as it was during removal, slip the distributor carefully back into its mounting hole.
2. Reinstall the hold-down plate and rotate the distributor so that the alignment notch lines up with the point of the rotor. Rotor should now be pointing generally away from the block as it was prior to removal.
3. Connect the primary lead to the negative terminal of the coil, and re-time engine as per Newsletter #5 (aren’t you glad now that you had that course first?).
4. Inspect and clean the distributor cap. If there is any indication of a crack or other damage, replace with a new cap.
5. You should now be able to crank up your engine and bask in a job well done....

[sastanley]

I wasn't trying to indicate that I needed to buy it, but that it might be a good addition to the Moyer manual. The dizzy is one more thing I haven't adjusted yet, because it doesn't appear to be broken!!

You all at Moyer have no idea the service you provide to the Atomic4 community. Thank you!

[Mike Jenkins]

Hi Folks, While working on an overhaul I inspected and decided to clean up the distributor. I removed and cleaned the advance mechanism weights. I think I have replaced them the correct orientation, but how do you confirm which side should be up I noted that one side is a little more rounded than the other.

Seasons Greetings, Mike Jenkins Nova Scotia

[rigspelt]

Hi Folks, While working on an overhaul I inspected and decided to clean up the distributor. I removed and cleaned the advance mechanism weights. I think I have replaced them the correct orientation, but how do you confirm which side should be up I noted that one side is a little more rounded than the other. Seasons Greetings, Mike Jenkins Nova Scotia
Mike, I am no expert, but my understanding is that if the flyweights are in the correct orientation then, after the distributor is reassembled, when you twist the rotor gently clockwise looking down on it while holding the shaft bottom to keep it from moving, the rotor should should move a few degrees clockwise ("advance") and stop. Then, when you let go of the rotor, the springs should rotate the rotor back those few degrees in a counterclockwise direction. Seasons greetings to all (the teens are still asleep).

[Mike Jenkins]

Thanks, Rigspelt I believe I have them correct then.

Its a pleasure working on all the various components, like the distributor, of my A4 during a rebuild in my basement during this winter season. Even the saltwater is starting to freeze up here now so I should have lots of time.

Best wishes for the new year everyone, Mike