Tips on maintenance for the tach gear drive

[Michael L.]

Guys,

Are there any pointers you can share on how to clean and lubricate the tach gear drive on a '69? I'm getting ready to assemble it and want to try and prevent any future issues. See attached pics. Thanks.

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: Tips on maintenance for the tach gear drive

Michael-----


The most important advice I can give you is to install a thrust button in the distributor housing. Chevrolet began installing a nylon button in about 1970 but earlier distributor housings do not have them. Note if there is wear on the end of the gear housing cavity. The stock nylon bushing is satisfactory (but no longer available from GM) or you can use an aftermarket bronze bushing. Either way, you have to drill a 1/8" hole in the middle of the end of the gear cavity. You can also drill and tap the housing for a small set screw which can serve as the stop.

The gear and cavity need to be cleaned and lubricated with a multi-purpose lubricant like GM #12377985. This lubricant can also be used for just about everything on the car except front wheel bearings.

[Michael L.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Tips on maintenance for the tach gear drive

Thanks Joe. I had Jerry McNeish (?sp) restore the distributor. Do you think he did those upgrades to it? I didn’t ask him to but not sure if it was something he would have just done. I can call him to ask but IIRC he’s hard to get on the phone. If he didn’t do it I can pull the distributor to have someone do those upgrades.

Mike

Mike------

All you have to do is to look at the outside of the distributor housing and see if there's a hole or set screw in the middle of the end of the cross shaft section of the housing. If there's not, it would still be possible for him to have installed a thrust button by not drilling through the housing or by filling it after installation of the button. In that case, you'd have to ask him.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Tips on maintenance for the tach gear drive

Mike,
Many years ago when the gear wore out on my 69, I purchased a kit from Paragon that put a set screw in the housing where the nylon bushing was later added. I believe the 2 tools are in their catalog as 581 guide tool and 582 insert tool and 583 set screw. I remember buying as a set. This was over 20 years ago and the tack gear is still good.
Jeff