Jump to content

Oiling the cam in the distributor


Cannuck

Recommended Posts

Hi

I was doing some maintenance on my Dodge and the manual call for a couple of oil drops on the wick on the top of the cam in the distributor.

I removed the rotor and am not sure where to put the drops because the wick isn't visable 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry about that went to correct spelling and away it went .

I was going to place the drops on the cam but like I said I wasn't sure .

Also i noticed a tap on the block below the oil filler pipe

Was wondering what it is for  and is there  something I need to do or include in my regular maintenance

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_12e4.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the wick on the distributor cam assembly is there for lube to ensure it to turn freely on the distributor shaft and the even if the wick is missing do place a couple drops of oil here periodically to keep these parts moving freely.  This lube spot is different from the spring loaded oiler on the housing which lubes the lower housing bushing

Edited by Plymouthy Adams
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most new points sets are no longer equipped with the wick.  Older sets have a phenolic block, the modern sets have nylon, neoprene or some kind of plastic. (Most modern points are offshore sourced junk) Theory probably being lubricant is no longer necessary.  Last time I messed with my distributer, I put a couple drops of motorcycle chain lube on the cam.  That theory being it won't get thrown off the cam.  I bought three sets last time I found good ones with the lube wick (small felt pad) still part of their make up, they came through a Car Quest parts jobber yes an older independent store that is still open.

Edited by greg g
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Depending on how old your coolant is, it may be time to refresh it.

I can tell you when I opened my petcock it was plugged and not even a drip came out.

I removed it from the block, and on the bench was very easy to work it back and forth and clean it. Then re-install it.

In fairness, my coolant system was also clogged, not just petcock.

 

Just saying, do not count on it to work when you need it, unless you maintain it.

When it comes to battles, you pick the time and place for them to happen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been spraying the tap on the head for weeks now  with penetrating oil to remove the tap that no longer works . 

I am nervous about putting too much torque on the tap .I don't want it to snap .

My point is i may have a reason to use the stop cock.Instead of draining the rad.

Another option is just cutting the hose and putting in a inline tap.

Problem is I get heat all summer long .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Those petcocks use a right hand thread to screw into the block and a left hand thread to undo or open them on the T piece, generally if you are going to drain the block and haven't undone the petcock before its probably a worthwhile exercise to undo the petcock from the block anyway and insert a piece of welding wire gently into the water jacket to loosen the crud, while you have the petcock out clean up its threads and check that it is a LHD thread then reinstall the whole unit........if you can get access to it maybe check the threads before trying to remove it but all these petcocks I've seen have the same right/left threads..............the T handle of the petcock has a plate that when you turn or open it, it moves away from the threaded body of the petcock and "opens" allowing water to flow out.............andyd   

Edited by Andydodge
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Dartgame said:

For distributor cams I have a tube of dist cam grease - Notsure where your would find that today - had it for years...anyway a very thin film is what your supposed to apply to the cam. 

that is for the outside of the cam where the points ride...the oil wick lubes the inside of the cam where if is to move freely on the distributor shaft...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

42 minutes ago, Dartgame said:

For distributor cams I have a tube of dist cam grease - Notsure where your would find that today - had it for years...anyway a very thin film is what your supposed to apply to the cam. 

For the grease for the outside of the cam where the points ride ;   Sold by MACS Auto Parts they sell products for the old Fords . 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Terms of Use