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Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved?
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jonat
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:39 am    Post subject: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

I have a black, Bosch, .08, distributor cap, (#1235 522 056)

It was kept after being replaced years ago.

One of the cap plug terminals has gone green. Can this be cleaned/serviced to be used again? Ther other terminals look to be in good condition.


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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:42 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

Use a wire brush to clean the corrosion.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:57 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

In addition to the mechanical methods of wire brush, Emery cloth, scotch brite pad, etc., there are chemical methods. I like a phosphoric acid solution, like can be found in some metal prep products. I have noticed some electrical connection sprays dissolving corrosion. White vinegar can be used as well.

The other issue is whether orn not the contacts inside the cap are grooved or pitted from the spark jumping, as that is a wear item inside the cap.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:10 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

Or just buy a new one for $18.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:41 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

probably just clean it up

better if you have a replacement

and , how did it get that way ? The other connections look nice and clean.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 8:09 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

Drop a few drops of Coke into that terminal & it will clean right up…. And it’ll change your perspective on whether you drink that shit again.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:05 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

TDCTDI wrote:
Drop a few drops of Coke into that terminal & it will clean right up…. And it’ll change your perspective on whether you drink that shit again.


Laughing True dat!
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:15 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

White vinegar will do wonders too.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:40 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

PatJr wrote:
probably just clean it up

better if you have a replacement

and , how did it get that way ? The other connections look nice and clean.


Probably a loose fit of the boot on the wire. A light smear of silicone sealer between the two should prevent it from happening again.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:04 pm    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

You can clean the terminals up and make way for the electric current. Those studs are a jumping off point for the electricity from the rotor.

Not identical to yours but might work. What distributor is it for?

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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:16 pm    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

A little spritz of DeOxit works wonders - handy to have around for all sorts of electrical corrosion.

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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:32 pm    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

If that's the same terminal that the inside contact (@ 1 o`clock) is don't use it if what looks like is a crack in the bakelite.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

Smush around some steel wool into the corroded terminal; vinegar soak there also works.

I'm hoping "smush" is a word....
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:29 pm    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

Cusser wrote:
Smush around some steel wool into the corroded terminal; vinegar soak there also works.

I'm hoping "smush" is a word....

It is.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/smush
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:41 pm    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

Starbucket wrote:
If that's the same terminal that the inside contact (@ 1 o`clock) is don't use it if what looks like is a crack in the bakelite.


I'm not seeing a crack. There are casting flash lines and reflections; maybe that's what you are seeing?
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2023 6:53 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

I've never had to resort to acids or solvents to clean that sort of corrosion. WD40 will do just fine and leaves a preventive coating as well.

Search distributor tower brush or tube brush for more aggresive removal tactics, might have one at your FLAPS.
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:12 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

Center post to the bottom right terminal has a carbon track leading right to it. This will cause backfires and missing. The cap is junk.
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:14 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

61SNRF wrote:
I've never had to resort to acids or solvents to clean that sort of corrosion. WD40 will do just fine and leaves a preventive coating as well.


WD-40 will remove that green copper corrosion w/out scrubbing? And do you have to wipe off the WD-40 residue before placing the cap back on the distributor? What about dialectic grease on the cap's copper contacts?
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:29 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

vamram wrote:
61SNRF wrote:
I've never had to resort to acids or solvents to clean that sort of corrosion. WD40 will do just fine and leaves a preventive coating as well.


WD-40 will remove that green copper corrosion w/out scrubbing? And do you have to wipe off the WD-40 residue before placing the cap back on the distributor? What about dialectic grease on the cap's copper contacts?

I have often read on these forums that dielectric grease will cure anything and everything including (but not limited to) flat tires and halitosis. Laughing
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:08 am    Post subject: Re: Distributor cap - can this be refurbished/saved? Reply with quote

iowegian wrote:
and halitosis. Laughing

Do you apply with a tooth brush?
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