Distributor lube

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Nov 26, 2017 | 01:08 PM

EMD645F3B

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From: Bedford PA

Distributor lube

My distributor destroyed the tach gears a few days ago so now I'm replacing the shaft & gear. Can anybody recommend a lube for the grease well? It doesn't look like straight grease to me. Jackfit described it as looking like sawdust and lube mixed. That's what mine looked like as well. Can I use regular grease in there? Not sure about lube for the tach gears either. Also the IPB shows a brass or plastic button against the tach gear. My distributor doesn't have this and looks like it never did. Should I retrofit for one?

Thanks

Nov 26, 2017 | 01:44 PM

Donald #31176

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From: Maryland

As far as lube for the tach drive gear area chassis grease works well. The well area for the upper bushing either chassis grease or an oil soaked gauze.

The tach drive gear has probably worn the housing of the distributor causing a misalignment of the mainshaft and tach drive gears. A thrust bushing should be installed to reestablish proper gear alignment. Distributors made after 1969 had a thrust bushing to prevent this condition.

Last edited by Donald #31176; Nov 26, 2017 at 01:45 PM.

Nov 26, 2017 | 02:48 PM

Powershift

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From: Bowling Green, Kentucky

The correct lube is a now obsolete Delco Remy #1960954. Called Gear and Shaft Lube.

I bought a container of it years ago on Ebay. You might do a search under this part number. However, a good grade of wheel bearing/chassis lube should do just fine.

Larry

EDIT: Still available on Ebay. A bit pricey through...................https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Del...RYfoEG&vxp=mtr

Last edited by Powershift; Nov 26, 2017 at 02:53 PM.

Nov 26, 2017 | 04:47 PM

redvetracr

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I like Sta-lube EP grease available for cheap at Advance Auto in the well and in the gear cavity, if the back wall of your housing is worn badly you can retrofit a GM plastic button (which is what GM did mid year 69 or 70) never would I use a brass aftermarket button.

Nov 26, 2017 | 05:00 PM

pop23235

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From: Glen Allen VA

I bought something at the FLAPS called (I think) Red Sticky Lube. Looks like any other grease cartridge, but the grease inside is red just like the GM product. I think it may be by Lucas, but I'll have to check as I have several Lucas products about.

Yep. It's Lucas. Called "Red 'N' Tacky". It is coincidental that it looks like the GM product, but it does. It is real tacky and not fibrous like some wheel bearing greases.

Last edited by pop23235; Nov 26, 2017 at 08:23 PM.

Nov 26, 2017 | 06:29 PM

plaidside

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2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

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I wrote an article on distributor reconditioning recently and if you want a copy send me your email address.
Joe

Nov 26, 2017 | 07:20 PM

EMD645F3B

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From: Bedford PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by plaidside

I wrote an article on distributor reconditioning recently and if you want a copy send me your email address.
Joe

PM sent Joe

Nov 27, 2017 | 10:25 AM

SWCDuke

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Powershift

Agree, but I think it's called Distributor and Starter motor lubricant... great for low load service like distributor and starter motor bushings, and I think it's also okay for the tach drive gears. What I have (bought circa mid-nineties) is dark gray, but some I've seen is red. It is "siliconeized" and really slippery and low friction, but is long out of production.

In lieu of the 1960954 I recommend a full synthetic NGLI #2 grease like Mobil 1. Synthetic base oils have a lower vapor pressure, and they won't dry out as fast as conventional mineral oils, so synthetic is great for "permanent" lubrication jobs.

Duke

Last edited by SWCDuke; Nov 27, 2017 at 10:32 AM.