charl.vz@optom.co.za Posted June 5, 2020 Share Posted June 5, 2020 Hi, I am in the process of finishing my grandfathers unfinished project. He sadly passed away before he could finish it. The engine has not run in a while, so I am systematically going through everything before I attempt to start it. The distributor was stuck, so could not advance or retart the timing on it, used penetrating oil everyday for a week and gently turned and wiggled it, it came loose tonight! My question is, can I use some copper grease to prevent this from happening again, or what would be advisable? I have learned so much by reading all the info here! I really appreciate this forum, I am still young and need to learn so much more, but my grandfather instilled a love for these cars in me. Thank you in advance! Charl 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 Copper grease is typically used on brake parts. Probably wouldn't hurt here but just about any grease would be better than none if you are thinking it will bind up again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter R. Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 Hi Charl, The original distributor on your car (1929-30 Dodge DA) was North-East # 10845. You may want to check if this correct. It is a typical late 1920's North-East "Pot-Metal-Cup-Distributor". The pot metal quality in the late 20's was very poor. So many 1920's pot metal items such as distributors and carburetors are badly cracked today. Even NOS distributors that just sat on the shelf in dry storage. Due to pot metal distortion a distributor can get stuck. I can imagine that this could be the cause on your distributor too as I've seen several N/E Distributors that were stuck. When did the car run the last time? I would inspect the distributor for cracks. It will probably be hard to find a good original replacement but you could always use a Delco-Remy distributor to replace the original North-East if necessary. However, I agree with JACK M and would use a simple NLGI class 2 grease. Cheers Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gundog99 Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 (edited) Myers Early Dodgehttps://www.myersearlydodge.com/ stock many Vintage and Classic reproduction parts ://vintageandclassicreproductions.com/ I have fitted a numberer of their parts on my Senior including a distributor casing ,they are very well made. Edited June 7, 2020 by gundog99 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Zetnick Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 Apparently, there were a number made in cast iron.....I had one in my parts box, but gave it to a fellow DB guy who helped me a lot on this board w/ my DA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter R. Posted June 12, 2020 Share Posted June 12, 2020 North-East # 10845 distributor. 1929-30 Dodge DA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter R. Posted June 12, 2020 Share Posted June 12, 2020 ....and some examples of badly rotten North-East distributors 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charl.vz@optom.co.za Posted June 19, 2020 Author Share Posted June 19, 2020 Hi All, Apologies for my absence, my laptop packed up, back online again:) Thank you for your input. The car has been partially restored, but never ran since its restoration maybe 16 years ago. I am attaching some photos, I think it just binded up, due to the fact that it has been standing. I have made up new plug wires, and rebuilt the master cylinder with S/Steel sleeve. coming along slowly. 6V Batteries are hard to fine here in South Africa, but I found one, planning to start it up soon. It is running a JR2 carburetor. Any advise, I am not familiar with the vacuum tank set up, so some advise in this respect will greatly appreciated. I am attaching some photos of the Distributor, I might need to replace the rotor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 The rotor looks fine just give it a clean up as with the points and inside of the cap. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charl.vz@optom.co.za Posted June 30, 2020 Author Share Posted June 30, 2020 Thank you all. Hopefully it will start up soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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