Distributor cam lubricator
There is no cam lubricator in my 1969 350 distributor and apparently hasn't been for a long time. I've gotten one and am going to install it when I tune it up, but am wondering whether this is likely to cause me any problems. The car has about 100k miles. I've had it for over 10 years and drive it less than 1,000 miles a year. No problems up to now. It runs fine and since I don't drive it much I haven't tuned it up very often. Thanks.
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
I'm not aware that a cam lubricator has been available for some time. Can you state the brand and part number and post a photo? -
Re: Distributor cam lubricator
Since my cam lubricator is long gone, I use a grease from a tube of cam lubricant I have had for many years, just smear a small amount on the point contact position. Need to do it again.Comment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
LICS #48-14A..............about $10 for wick and retainer.
FWIW........most of us threw them away 50 years ago when we did our first (or second) tune-up. I always thought they were about worthless. Just use a bit of the cam grease from the tube to put on the distributor cam and behind the points rubbing block.
LarryComment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
All------
There were actually two different types of the lubricator. The initial design used a rectangular felt wick with a "fork-shaped" plastic retainer. The wick was GM #1949084 and the retainer GM #1935621. These were replaced about 1972, for PRODUCTION and SERVICE, with a type that used an expanded foam rubber applicator with a "post" style retainer. That was the GM #1852935 I mentioned above.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
Not sure how long ago I bought it. I found it in a zip lock bag with tune up parts. I don't drive the car much and it starts and runs fine so I haven't done more than set the dwell in several years. It is from Paragon, part number 12650. I assume I break the capsule, soak the wick, and set the wick to just touch the cam lobe. Is that right? Thanks.
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
Thanks for posting the photo. It's grainy, but what you have appears to be the first design as Joe L described above. My recollection is that the wick bent away from the cam making the lubricator ineffective. I eventually replaced it with the second design, and the polyurethane foam disintegrated long ago. It's too bad that all point sets don't include the felt pad as seen in the attached article for the CS-7860. You can use the old lubricator you have, but as stated, it may not be that effective, so maybe you should keep it in the bag as a historical artifact. I doubt if there are many unused examples around.Comment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
Bill:Not sure how long ago I bought it. I found it in a zip lock bag with tune up parts. I don't drive the car much and it starts and runs fine so I haven't done more than set the dwell in several years. It is from Paragon, part number 12650. I assume I break the capsule, soak the wick, and set the wick to just touch the cam lobe. Is that right? Thanks.
The lube is wiped around the distributor cam and some is also placed on the backside of the point set rubbing block for future lubrication as the point fiber block wears. The wick is installed dry and is supposed to gently wipe the distributor cam lobes to remove excess and also to pickup a bit of this lube for continuous minor lubrication.
FWIW.
LarryComment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
What's the right lube to use on this once the capsule is gone? I've looked on line and gotten a range of opinions. It's not conducting anything so I don't think it needs dielectric grease. Is there something specific or will any grease work?Comment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
Dielectric grease is not a good lubricant, so it's out.
I'd say something like Mobil 1 synthetic, which is a NGLI #2. Use it VERY SPARINGLY. Apply a thin film on each cam lobe and then a little on the rubbing block. Too much can get flung off and contaminate the points.
DukeComment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
Bill:
Many of us old guys (me included) still have a partial tube leftover the 1970's.............so I should never run out. Here is a link to Standard Brand Points Lube that you could buy. I would probably check to see if it was available closer to home, but just about everything can be put in the mail and sent to you.
I have used lab glassware clear heavy grease in the past, but this is the link to a point specific product. One tube will last 3 lifetimes.
LarryComment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
There is a Dow Corning product called G-n Paste. It contains graphite (or something similar) and is an excellent lubricant and the graphite makes it conductive, unlike dielectric grease which insulates. If silicon gets on the points, you lose ignition. Don't ask me how I know.
In time the vehicle will go away (any lubricant), but with G-n paste the graphite remains and still maintains lubricating properties. As Duke says, use it sparingly.
-Dan-Comment
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Re: Distributor cam lubricator
I just use a dab of Valvoline red synthetic wheel bearing grease and have been since forever. Never an issue.Comment
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