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I know this has been discussed before but I have not been able to find a 100% answer. I replaced the pick-up coil on my 1989 model. There was no felt washer or a plastic seal under the pick-up coil when I removed it. I'm not positive this was the original coil, but it did appear to be. I've seen this washer and seal on some sites as for 1985-1991 models. But I've also read info from different sites concerning GM HEI distributors not having these parts after 1985? Anybody ever dismantle a "virgin" distributor from different year models that can shed some light on this?
I have taken lots of them apart. I don't remember the later ones having anything under them. My guess would be pre 81 or distributors with vacuum advance. Vacuum advance would rotate pick up coil,
Yea, I agree. I've seen the plastic washer/cup seal on older distributors, I just don't remember seeing this on the "newer" ones. I'm actually trying to decide what kind of upper shaft lubrication to hack together. The "wells" under the pick-up on my distributor were dry, only the saw dust or whatever it was when new was left. I'm thinking about using some felt stuffed in there with 20 weight oil and saturate it good. And then just making a thin plastic washer to cover. Any thoughts on this?
I seem to recall, my caps came with a silicone rubber insulator between the cap and coil. can't say I've ever seen felt - ???
They are talking about a seal for the actual distributor shaft - not the rubber insulator for the carbon button. The pole piece/pick up coil are different than what you are thinking. It goes under the pole piece area. You are referring to the ignition coil area.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Feb 19, 2019 at 08:05 PM.
The pick up coil is dry. The little c clip holds it to housing and it should not move. A smear of light oil, grease, or graphite on distributor shaft. You want to feel it more than see it.
The pick up coil is dry. The little c clip holds it to housing and it should not move. A smear of light oil, grease, or graphite on distributor shaft. You want to feel it more than see it.
Yea, but over time that light smear of oil/grease will wear out. That's the purpose of the "wells" machined into the distributor body, to provide a lubrication point for the upper shaft. This was filled with some sort of oil/grease etc. when engine was new from the factory.
Distributor felt washer
