Ignition Module Grease Recommendation
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
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Ignition Module Grease Recommendation
Is there anything special I should know about the application of the thermal grease on the ignition module under the distributor cap. This grease is used for thermal conductivity. I am using the grease supplied by the ignition module (Dynamo).
I seem to need to re-grease this about every 3 months or so, otherwise the engine just will not start. That sucks because the car is just dead where it is – and I have to do the re-greasing with a little kit I carry around to get under the distributor cap for the re-greasing – but it is not a nice thing 2 AM in the morning downtown LA.
I am not sure if there is anything wrong that could break down the thermal grease somehow (like maybe too hot) – or if I am using too much or too little grease. Most likely, everybody’s ignition module just uses the little dab that comes with the module and works fine – what could be wrong with mine? Any suggestions for an optimal thermal grease.
Thanks,
barrypaul
I seem to need to re-grease this about every 3 months or so, otherwise the engine just will not start. That sucks because the car is just dead where it is – and I have to do the re-greasing with a little kit I carry around to get under the distributor cap for the re-greasing – but it is not a nice thing 2 AM in the morning downtown LA.
I am not sure if there is anything wrong that could break down the thermal grease somehow (like maybe too hot) – or if I am using too much or too little grease. Most likely, everybody’s ignition module just uses the little dab that comes with the module and works fine – what could be wrong with mine? Any suggestions for an optimal thermal grease.
Thanks,
barrypaul
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: The Top of Utah
I've never heard of such a thing. Maybe you have some questionable connections in there that get "fixed" when you re-grease. The few times I have replaced a module, I used the grease that came with it...End of story. I have some Permatex dielectric grease (which is what the module calls for) that I use in my spark plug boots. A small tube should last a lifetime. Maybe your grease isn't dielectric.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Dallas Texas
This stuff is important if you want your module to last. The key is to apply it in a THIN layer. If you just glob it on, you'll be worse off if you did not use it at all. All it is meant to do is fill in the uneven surface of the module and the surface you mount it to.
Team Owner
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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I used a thin layer of dialectric grease per the module's installation instruction.
This should be a one-time deal, though. If your ignition module is properly greased, that should be good for the life of the unit. Why is yours getting so hot?
This should be a one-time deal, though. If your ignition module is properly greased, that should be good for the life of the unit. Why is yours getting so hot?
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Verdad Gallardo
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From: Mexico Beach FL
If I rememeber correctly, the compound that contains beryllium oxide (white) is better for thermal conductivity than silicon grease.
Silicon grease is easier to find -- you might be able to find the beryllium oxide compound at electronic supply houses.
I usually use the beryllum oxide compound where I think thermal conductivity is critical.
Tom Piper
Silicon grease is easier to find -- you might be able to find the beryllium oxide compound at electronic supply houses.
I usually use the beryllum oxide compound where I think thermal conductivity is critical.
Tom Piper
1st Gear
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Originally Posted by barrypaul2004
Is there anything special I should know about the application of the thermal grease on the ignition module under the distributor cap. This grease is used for thermal conductivity. I am using the grease supplied by the ignition module (Dynamo).
I seem to need to re-grease this about every 3 months or so, otherwise the engine just will not start. That sucks because the car is just dead where it is – and I have to do the re-greasing with a little kit I carry around to get under the distributor cap for the re-greasing – but it is not a nice thing 2 AM in the morning downtown LA.
I am not sure if there is anything wrong that could break down the thermal grease somehow (like maybe too hot) – or if I am using too much or too little grease. Most likely, everybody’s ignition module just uses the little dab that comes with the module and works fine – what could be wrong with mine? Any suggestions for an optimal thermal grease.
Thanks,
barrypaul
I seem to need to re-grease this about every 3 months or so, otherwise the engine just will not start. That sucks because the car is just dead where it is – and I have to do the re-greasing with a little kit I carry around to get under the distributor cap for the re-greasing – but it is not a nice thing 2 AM in the morning downtown LA.
I am not sure if there is anything wrong that could break down the thermal grease somehow (like maybe too hot) – or if I am using too much or too little grease. Most likely, everybody’s ignition module just uses the little dab that comes with the module and works fine – what could be wrong with mine? Any suggestions for an optimal thermal grease.
Thanks,
barrypaul
Thanks for your post I thought I was the only Corvette owner who had distributor problems.
............Bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Fremont Oh
Yes I use dielectric compound silicone grease. It's a white paste. Make sure you are gettting a good ground.I had a similar situation where my car would "die" ... the module would be really really hot, it was right after I put in my super charger, As I recall i had a problem where the ground was not good causing it to heatup.. so your other modules may still be good.
As mentioned above, only apply a small amount it helps conduct the heat to the heatsink and on to the cylinder head where it is mounted...
Hope this helps...
Mo
As mentioned above, only apply a small amount it helps conduct the heat to the heatsink and on to the cylinder head where it is mounted...
Hope this helps...
Mo
1st Gear
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I've never heard of such a thing. Maybe you have some questionable connections in there that get "fixed" when you re-grease. The few times I have replaced a module, I used the grease that came with it...End of story. I have some Permatex dielectric grease (which is what the module calls for) that I use in my spark plug boots. A small tube should last a lifetime. Maybe your grease isn't dielectric.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
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From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...
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2022 High Performance Gold Thermal Grease CPU Heat Sink Compound Paste Ho | eBay
I used something like this. Dan
I used something like this. Dan
