Distributor cleaning question...

[fallingat120mph]

1986 Coupe here...

Had some oil leak problems that have been addressed and PO replaced items, but maybe not as thoroughly has they could/should have been. So this is what I am working on this morning:




I found one thread:
Distributor Lube/Clean for '88??



So I ordered a new dust cover, new cap, new rotor but really want to clean this up before putting back together.

I will in the future remove everything for a very thorough cleaning but time and events coming up I just want to verify per the thread I linked to if brake cleaner and blowing out with dry compressed air is okay for just this portion of the distributor???

As, always can't thank you all enough for your input.



Erik

[PeteKz]

I assume you have removed the distributor? A quick and dirty job is to spray it with solvent, brush it, and blow it out. But it's not hard to disassemble it. Then you can really get it clean, re-lubed, and check for wear; instead of putting it off to "the future."

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

I assume you have removed the distributor? A quick and dirty job is to spray it with solvent, brush it, and blow it out. But it's not hard to disassemble it. Then you can really get it clean, re-lubed, and check for wear; instead of putting it off to "the future."

Not removed at this point.

Just finished many many other small projects and want to clean this up and start on the valve adjustment and fuel pump replacement.


This summer the engine gets dropped (my first time) and I will addressing the leaks and cleaning then...


My concern is sometimes I feel brake cleaner is almost too harsh...


Thanks!
Erik

[PeteKz]

Well, if you are not removing the distributor, and it's working, don't mess with it now. You could end up causing more problems. put a couple drops of oil on the felt and close it up. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

[fallingat120mph]

Another question:

Do some use Permatex/RTV on the body to dust cover to create a seal? As I clean I am scraping off RTV or the likes.

[PeteKz]

...And a follow up: Why drop the engine this summer? You should be driving the car in the summer! Wait until winter.

[PeteKz]

No sealant on the distributor cover. By the way, that's not really a dust cover, it's a shield intended to cut down on electrical noise and potential interference. THat's why is has a graphite look to it.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

...And a follow up: Why drop the engine this summer? You should be driving the car in the summer! Wait until winter.

Indeed! BUT.....south Texas here so the summers are a bit harsh on the car...and myself. AC delete and I am a windows down kinda driver - I don't mind sweating a bit on the 95/100 degree days but the temp gauge shows the car doesn't like it

Originally Posted by PeteKz

No sealant on the distributor cover. By the way, that's not really a dust cover, it's a shield intended to cut down on electrical noise and potential interference. THat's why is has a graphite look to it.

Yeah the sealant threw me for a loop.

Again, thanks!

Erik

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by fallingat120mph

Indeed! BUT.....south Texas here so the summers are a bit harsh on the car...and myself. AC delete and I am a windows down kinda driver - I don't mind sweating a bit on the 95/100 degree days but the temp gauge shows the car doesn't like it





Yeah the sealant threw me for a loop.

Again, thanks!

Erik

Fix the AC and get cold air blowing again so you can drive in the heat. My 85 Carrera never gets high oil temps. I do have a fan on the cooler. I will be driving this June out to Palm Spring, CA. It will be a hot time in the far southwest as I enjoy my 911.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Fix the AC and get cold air blowing again so you can drive in the heat. My 85 Carrera never gets high oil temps. I do have a fan on the cooler. I will be driving this June out to Palm Spring, CA. It will be a hot time in the far southwest as I enjoy my 911.

My summer mornings in the Hill Country are great but the last two years I have been putting off a fan on the cooler so this summer am addressing that and replacing the oil lines. Have a fan on the other 911 and it did help...this one with 200,000 miles just needs a break.


For right now I am tracing down leaks, replacing the Frankenstein harness/wiring from the previous owner and just enjoying the spring temps and driving. Have the Hill Country Rally coming up and some other events...not dropping the engine until July-ish...

Have a good one!
Erik

[88-diamondblue]

Here is what I did with mine awhile ago. Might help.

Carrera Distributor taking apart and reassembly

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by 88-diamondblue

Here is what I did with mine awhile ago. Might help.

Carrera Distributor taking apart and reassembly

Excellent!

Many thanks...will be doing that this summer.