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WD-40 or silicone?

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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 08:04 AM
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Default WD-40 or silicone?

The new intake is on. I'm hoping it doesn't leak like a fire hose.

I've got my distributor torn apart and need to lube the sticky centrifugal advance mechanism. In an old archive post, I saw Lars recommend light assembly lube. Are we talking WD-40 or spray silicone? Does it matter?

While I'm at it, I'm going to try taking up some of the end play too. The only shim kit O'Reillys would find for me was a Mr. Gasket kit and not the Moroso one Lars recommends. I think the part number is 2820. I'm hoping it'll still work, because the shaft needs some shims badly.

Last edited by Xakk; Apr 6, 2007 at 08:08 AM.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 08:10 AM
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WD40 is not a lubricant. Dip it in oil
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 08:12 AM
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I used a little and mean little white lithium lube on it. To much and it will just get "spun out" and end up on your dist cap on the sides. The WD 40 will not last long and will be dry in a few days of running. You want something that will stay on there.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 08:26 AM
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Don't use WD40, it is very flamible so a spark could catch fire.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 10:42 AM
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No WD-40. Gotcha.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 10:51 AM
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Yep WD40 evaporates quickly. Also do not use it on firearms as it dries up and gums up the works.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 01:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Gordonm
I used a little and mean little white lithium lube on it. To much and it will just get "spun out" and end up on your dist cap on the sides. The WD 40 will not last long and will be dry in a few days of running. You want something that will stay on there.
I believe it was white lithium grease Lars used when he rebuilt my distributor. And like Gordonm suggests, use a very light coating. Come to think of it, Lars first cleaned off the shaft with emery cloth then applied the lithium. Hope this helps.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 02:02 PM
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I don't like using anything that flings off or attracts dust. I use a moly disulphide spray, available from any auto parts store (e.g.NAPA). It's a "dry" lube and last a long time.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 06:16 PM
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WD-40 Uses



1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime and spray paint from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
18) It removes black scuff and tar marks from the kitchen floor!

19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car! Use WD-40 for removing it.
20) Gives children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever on riding mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards and vinyl bumpers.

26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Spray arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37) Cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.
38) In New York it is used to protect the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) Spray a little on live bait or lures and it will help catching fish.

40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) Removing crayon from walls. Spray it on and wipe with a clean rag.
42) Removing lipstick from clothing. Put it on the lipstick and wash.

43) Spray it on the distributor cap, it will displace moisture and the car will start.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 06:21 PM
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Would this work?


http://www.graphitestore.com/itemDet...d=28&curPage=1
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by GlockGuy
Yep WD40 evaporates quickly. Also do not use it on firearms as it dries up and gums up the works.
Yep...been there had that
Had to use Hoppe's #9 to get the gummy off.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 11:49 PM
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A little smear of white lithium grease on the "rub" points in the dist. Don't use graphite, it'll make a mess when oil mist gets to it. WD-40 is not a lubricant. Silicone lube is very thin and will evaporate quickly. Get a small tube of lithium grease at the auto parts store...it will last you for years.
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 09:57 AM
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If you're talking about the weights and the mechanism they slide on I went a little different route. I polished the top plate of the distributor that the weights move on with a buffing wheel and buffing compound until it looked like chrome. I did the same thing to the weights. Then I reassembled and the weights moved smooth as silk. I figured the wax in the buffing compound would provide lubrication and prevent rust. Its been about 5 years and so far both thoughts proved true and I don't have to worry about lube spraying inside the cap. Just a different road traveled.
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