C3 -Distributor Shaft Lube

[Paul L.]

I am rebuilding a 1974-era distributor. Would a light coating of lithium grease take care of the main shaft?

[Gene M.]

Re: C3 -Distributor Shaft Lube

Paul, I would always use motor oil mixed with STP. In fact I use this combo mix for assembly of the entire engine.

[John H.]

Re: C3 -Distributor Shaft Lube

I am rebuilding a 1974-era distributor. Would a light coating of lithium grease take care of the main shaft?

Paul -

What part of the mainshaft? The bottom end bushing is lubricated constantly by engine oil, but the upper bushing never sees oil. If you mean the "grease well" below the plastic seal disc under the breaker plate, that well needs to be filled with chassis grease or packed with cotton gauze and saturated with engine oil; that's the only lubrication it'll ever see.

[Wayne M.]

Re: C3 -Distributor Shaft Lube

FWIW, here's a Delco product (on the left) which has multiple uses [read the list], and the last is distributor shafts (probably the upper portion including tach drive worm gears). The tube on the right is a lifetime supply for the points cam.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 -Distributor Shaft Lube

Paul this is a excellent aritcle by John Fiedler who owns T. I. Speciality and rebuilds distributors and owns the web site this came from on how to rebuild a Corvette distributor. I used the 20 W oil as recommended in the article for the oil cavity at the top of the distributor.

http://www.tispecialty.com/articles/article6.htm

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 -Distributor Shaft Lube

FWIW, here's a Delco product (on the left) which has multiple uses [read the list], and the last is distributor shafts (probably the upper portion including tach drive worm gears). The tube on the right is a lifetime supply for the points cam.

Interesting photo. About ten years ago a Cosworth Vega buddy of mine bought a tub of 1960954 when it was still available. In fact, I found out about it from a little blub in The Corvette Restorer.

He gave me a few ounces in a small cosmetics jar, so I don't have the original label handy to read, but the grease is a dark gray color , not red, and IIRC the label said it is "siliconized". It looks like gray wheel bearing grease, but if you rub small amounts of each between thumb and forefinger the wheel bearing grease quickly becomes gummy, but the 1969954 remains very slippery.

I used it on the bushings when I rebuilt the CV starter motor and also in the grease well of the HEI distributor.

It's what I recommend for these applications if you can get your hands on some!

Duke

[Paul L.]

Re: C3 -Distributor Shaft Lube

Thanks to all for the comments. I will use a 20W oil.