Distributor Lubrication

[1SGCAV77]

B637AC0B-24C9-41F5-B969-11CCA25BA3E9.jpeg

552EF182-0173-454F-9F69-4E597485E70C.jpeg

I do not recall ever lubricating the distributor in my career. Just finished up a recently acquired points type distributor. Needed some tender loving care inside. Turned out nicely. Fresh and ready for service. When I removed the wick, was dry and hard. When placed in oil it immediately started swelling, soaked it up. I will preform same on distributor (electronic) currently in my Jeep soon.

[rickf]

Very good tip!!!! I never did that on mine either. I wonder if it was ever done in service?

[muttguru]

Shame on you both......

The lubrication of the distributor has been standard practice since the very first issue of the Lube Order way back in July 1960.
Here's what it says:-

https://www.g838.org/download/file.php? ... ew&id=6424

Ken

[rickf]

And I have always got the wick on top but missed the one on the side. But, as I said, I wonder how many privates actually pulled that wick out and oiled it. I wonder how many distributors no longer have that wick? As I will soon be going through my pile of distributors you know I will be checking them!

[1SGCAV77]

Lubricated distributor on the Jeep today. Had to remove in order to remove wick plug. Most likely not removed since rebuild 12-88. That plug was TIGHT. Wick was a light grey color. Just like new 34 yrs later. Back together. Took a short maint run. Mechanics favorite grip write off “Checks OK at this time”.

362091A5-4596-44A0-A6AC-E3A20722F7CD.jpeg

[fowlercal]

What are civilian equivalents of PL or PL-S, and GAA these days? And what do the initials stand for? Just asking for a friend.

Cal

[Mark]

I thought it was a general purpose grease, I'll have to do some searching to find it

[rickf]

GAA is regular chassis grease
PL-S is a water displacement preservative. Think along the lines of WD-40. But as a locksmith I will tell you that WD-40, while it works very well as a water displacer for distributor caps and electrical connections, it does not preserve metal. It is a solvent and will evaporate in a couple weeks and leave the metal dry. But that is what you are looking for, there are other products out there that do displace and preserve, mostly using silicone or wax.

[rickf]

Here is the LO telling you what the original products were.

https://www.g838.org/g838_manuals/lo%20 ... 0jul78.pdf

[fowlercal]

Thanks Rick. That answers the questions.

Cal

[ODRotorHead]

The link Rick provided no longer works. If possible, please provide a new link to the information on PL-S.

I found this on the web:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
http://everyspec.com/MIL-PRF/MIL-PRF-03 ... 033_35537/

MIL-PRF-32033, PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION: LUBRICATING OIL, GENERAL PURPOSE, PRESERVATIVE (WATER-DISPLACING, LOW TEMPERATURE) (24 JUL 2000) [SUPERSEDING VV-L-800C]., This specification covers one type and grade of water-displacing, preservative lubricating oil, known hereinafter as "OIL", for general purpose applications at low temperatures. The oil can be applied by dipping, brushing, or by spraying from gas-pressurized cans. The oil is identified by Military Symbol PL-S and NATO Code Number O-190.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
https://www.wbparts.com/rfq/9150-00-231-6689.html

Part Alternates: AEROSHELL FLUID 18, ARPOLUBE 32033 , CASTROL BRAYCO 300, CS3118, R0YCO 308CA, RUSTFOIL 2675, VVL800

Other products that didn't make the list are Tectyl 900 and Pro Lube II. There may be more.

I found 12.5 oz. spray cans for $9.43, and quart cans for $20.40, but no small bottles/tubes. Except . . .

A web site called Sharp Shoot-R has a product called "Maxx" that claims to meet MIL-PRF-32033. An 8 oz. plastic bottle for $12.00.


Any recommendations for a current commercial substitute that can be purchased locally, preferably in small quantities?

[rickf]

Thanks for pointing that out, seems none of the manuals are coming up. I will look into it.

[rickf]

Links are fixed

[svramselaar]

hi
i do always at the edge at the points where the nylon gets at the notch a bid high temp grease
so when it worn a bid it greases itself

s-b881-24-volt-contact-points-for-dodge-m37-m43-jeep-m715-m151-military-vehicles-by-newstar-3.png

[rickf]

I remember a lot of distributors had a felt pad that rode on the distributor cam that you would wet with oil and it kept the points contact foot lubricated. Georges method will work just as well, just do not use too much or it will migrate top the points.