4 replies to this topic

[croc7]

Lately, I’m getting oil coming into the body of a CSI electronic distributor, enough that oil will accumulate at the holes in the base of the distributor body and a peek inside shows the electronic components to be wet with oil film. Any harm to those electronics?
Thanks

[lordcakes]

I don't believe that oil (certainly mineral oil) is bad for electronic components. It is sometimes used to cool components in some applications. Cable insulation doesn't always react well to long term oil exposure.

I'm loathe to suggest dismantling and cleaning as I have no experience with these units but, my experience, on my more primitive unit (with an electronic module) I have left it alone and it is still working fine.

[nicklouse]

Are your breathers connected to the carb?

[croc7]

Nope. Timing cover and clutch/flywheel cover both vented to atmosphere. Same for valve cover. I think I know where you’re going with this - crankcase breathing?

[Spider]

The Oil I doubt will harm anything in the short / medium term, but ideally, it shouldn't be there at all.

The shafts in these (and Lucas) distributors have a spiral on them that forms a scroll seal. For these to work, the spiral needs to run the right way when spinning. If the shaft that was fitted to the Distributor was for a CW running Dissy, instead of a CCW it will draw Oil up.

The other cause for this can come from the Drive that's in the Block. It that has excessive vibration when running (say from a bent shaft) that can also cause them to draw Oil up.