The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop distributor grease cup question

Since I had to remove my distributor gear to re-pin it anyway, I decided to just completely disassemble the distributor for inspection and a good cleaning. The book shows a small bakelite disk at the inside end of the spring that is in the hole where the grease cup provides grease to the shaft. Mine did not have this bakelite disk, nor did it have anything else at that point. So my question is where can I find one of these disks, and if the answer is nowhere, then what would be a good substitute for it?

The washer is there mostly to keep the end of the spring from gouging out a groove (if I recall correctly). Any kind of hard plastic washer that is similar sized should work.

Lee.

I don't really know the size because I didn't have an old one to look at. I'm gonna dig through my extra junk to see if I have a spare distributor. Thanks

This has been a topic on Stovebolt for many years. Do a search and you will find allot of info.

Here is a recent one: https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...h-my-distributor-please.html#Post1452547

In the same thread is a explanation by “Hotrod Lincoln” as to why it’s there. https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...h-my-distributor-please.html#Post1452529

Make sure you have the hole in the middle, I believe that is needed so the grease can get to the shaft.

The original discs don't have a hole- - - -no need to worry about the grease getting around a solid one!
jerry

Thanks for correcting me Jerry; it has been too long since I overhauled mine that I could not remember for sure if it had a hole or not.

Lee.

Thanks for all of the good answers guys. I did end up digging an original disk out of a spare distributor and using it. As Jerry said, it did NOT have a hole in it. It seems to me that a tiny hold would have made sense, but GM didn't do it, so I'm not either

Was the original disk round? Or is it squarish with rounded corners to allow the grease to move in? I don't remember.

My original was round. It's a loose enough fit that I'm sure enough grease gets around the outside.

My original was round. It's a loose enough fit that I'm sure enough grease gets around the outside.

I choose to modify the distributor housing to run a needle bearing at the top, and a hardened steel sleeve pressed over the shaft, ground for a wobble-free fit. Either a grease fitting or the original cup can be used to keep the bearing lubed. That eliminates the need for the disc and spring, and assures that the point gap stays consistent at least until the rubbing block or the cam wears.
Jerry