If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You must be an NCRS member
before you can post: click the Join NCRS link above to join. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Can the vacuum can be replaced on a small block without pulling the distributor?
Is there enough clearance for the pin on the plunger rod to go under the advance plate?
Yes, I believe that is possible. I'm pretty sure the vacuum can can be replaced without pulling the distributor shaft out of the distributor, which would be the only reason why removing the distributor would be mandatory.
However, as I recall it's a bit difficult to get the vacuum can screws in with the breaker plate partially in the way. Even if the distributer shaft can remain installed for the swap, the job would be easier with the distributor out of the car.
I've heard some guys say the VAC and be changed without removing/disassembling the distributor and I believe them, but it's a little tricky.
However, if you don't know when the dist. was last overhauled (or maybe it's NEVER been overhauled), this is a good opportunity to remove it and give it a good cleaning and blueprinting along with swapping the VAC.
"Repack the upper oil well (cavity surrounding upper bearing) with an oil absorbent material; a folded 3”x 3” piece of gauze is suitable. Saturate the packing with oil (20wt. non-detergent motor oil is preferred). Note: Due to contamination, I do not attempt to use the saw dust like material that was originally packed in the well."
I have to question this instruction. The "sawdust like material" that is often the only thing found in the upper bushing grease well is the remants of the original grease. Grease is an emulsion of solids and oil and both time and heat cycles cause the oil to slowly separate from the solids and drain out the lubricant feed hole into the bushing cavity, leaving the "sawdust like solids" behind, but it's NOT sawdust.
Maybe grease from the early industrial age used sawdust, but not today.
At one time I believe GM used 1960954 grease in the upper bushing well, and this grease was also used for starter motor bushings. It's a dark gray, very neat "siliconized" grease that is very slippery and doesn't get gummy when you rub a small amount between your thumb and forefinger like wheel bearing grease.
Unfortunately it is discontinued.
My recommendation is to fill the upper bushing grease well with a quality NGLI #2 multipurpose grease, preferably synthetic based - the same that I recommend for steering gear rebuilds (and, sparingly for the wiper motor gearbox) now that the "special" Corvette steering gear grease is no longer available from GM, and plain old, common NGLI #2 white lithium is okay in a pinch.
A good, brief writeup on automotive lubricants including grease can be found at the following web site:
We use cookies to deliver our services, and to analyze site activity. We do not share or sell any personal information about our users. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Tweet
Comment