1966 Distributer Lube

[ronnie robertson # 36786]

What type lube is recommended for the upper distributer lube cavity and for the tach gear drive. Do you just fill up the tach gear cavity?
Also the judging manual does not state a color. Is the distributer natural?
Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Distributer Lube

Ronnie------

I would recommend filling, or nearly filling, the tach drive cross gear cavity with lubricant. Also, the grease well below the distributor breaker plate which is covered by the felt and plastic retainers should also be periodically filled with grease. This well provides lubrication for the upper distributor bushing. The lower bushing is lubricated by engine oil splash.

For all of the above applications I recommend grease GM #1960954. However, I don't think that this product is available anymore through GM. Consequently, I would then recommend using GM #12377985 grease, which is available from GM dealers. This is a multi-purpose, modern lubricant which can be used for most automotive applications except for disc brake wheel bearings.

[ronnie robertson # 36786]

Re: 1966 Distributer Lube

Joe,
I just happen to have that very item which I purchased, as per your recommendation, to put in my steering box. Is that pretty much an "all purpose grease"?
Do you know whether the distributer is painted?

Thanks a $$$$

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Distributer Lube

Ronnie-----

Yes, that's the grease.

The distributor was originally painted semi-gloss black, tending to the glossier side. Only the external portions of the distributor were painted. The under cap cast and machined areas as well as the lower shaft section below the collar which seats on the intake manifold were NOT painted.

[ronnie robertson # 36786]

Thanks Joe! *NM*

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1966 Distributer Lube

How do you get grease down the little oil fill spout?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Distributer Lube

chris------

You don't. For distributors with the "snap-cap" oiler, you use engine oil for lubrication. However, I don't think that any 1966 Corvettes originally used this type of oiling. I think that 1962, and possibly, 1963 was the last year for this.

[Bob Mitchell]

Re: 1966 Distributer Lube

Joe,
Found some of the 1960954 lube on the east coast about a month or so ago. It comes in a 13oz. tube. The company had several tubes.
Bob Mitchell #23202

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Distributer Lube

Bob-----

Yes, one tube is pretty much a lifetime supply of this stuff for most hobbyists, even though there are several distributor, alternator, and starter applications for it. In fact, one tube might be enough to pass down to several generations.