'64 L84 distributor

[Blake W.]

Having read a few previous posts reguarding distributors I began wondering about mine. This is a very nice running 64 fuel car first of all and I'm not trying to fix something that isn't broken nor reinvent the wheel!! However, I know that this particular car was not touched much since the mid '80s. My question is reguarding general lubrication and areas to look at for wear. I rebuilt the drive pump in the fuel unit a while back and lubed the cable drive but that's as far as I went. So, what about the tach drive mechanism and other internal pieces that may have worn without any lube? Also need to know just what lubricant is recommended for these distributors, how much, and at what points internally. Thanks guys BW

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 L84 distributor

BA------

My recommendation for you would be just about the same as for the post immediately above, except that, in your case, you want to lubricate the entire tach drive AND FI drive internals of the distributor by removing the side plate and FI drive end cap.

The main wear point will be the distributor bushings, just like all Chevrolet distributors. However, to inspect the bushings you need to diassemble the entire distributor.

[Blake W.]

Re: '64 L84 distributor

Thanks Joe. Reguarding the lube you mentioned in the other post, would this be the same lube you recommended to me for the steering box a while back? I bought a tube from Chevrolet and have some left. I'm not too good with part numbers however. thanks Blake

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 L84 distributor

BA------

Yes, the current lube for the steering box is the same. This is a general purpose lubricant that can be used for many applications. I have now confirmed that the GM #1960954 was discontinued in February, 2001, so that's not an option.

[Blake W.]

Re: '64 L84 distributor

Thanks Joe, Appreciate the help

[G B.]

Lubrication is constant

I don't understand your concern about the tach drive.

Rochester FI distributors have an oil pressure line running from the back of the engine block (excuse me, I mean "piston holder casing thing") and feeding directly to the tach drive rear bushing. This oil supply then provides splash lubrication to the FI pump drive gears and distributor mainshaft lower bushings.

The only FI distributor maintenance items under the breaker plate are the oil seals and upper mainshaft bushing. The upper bushing gets little wear. I've never encountered one that needed replacement.

Replacement oil seals are still available from Chicago Rawhide and others. If yours aren't leaking now, I suggest you leave your distributor alone.

[Blake W.]

Re: Lubrication is constant

Jerry, that's even better news!!! Think I'll leave it alone since it's working fine. Haven't looked at it in a while and have overlooked the oil line. Thanks Blake

[Joe L.]

Re: Lubrication is constant

Jerry-----

I was either unaware of this lubrication feature for FI distributors or I forgot about it. Was it used for all 57-65 FI distributors?

[John H.]

Re: Lubrication is constant

Joe -

Yes, all FI distributors had direct full-pressure oiling from a "tee" at the oil pressure gauge fitting adjacent to the distributor; one line to the distributor, one to the oil pressure gauge.

[Blake W.]

Re: Lubrication is constant

Absolutely right on the oil feed line. When I originally asked the question about lubing the distributor I just figured it took grease. My 64 FI has the original Dist with the tee, ect. I've seen it time and time again but apparently went brain dead for a moment. Thanks for the restart guys. Reguards Blake