How to clean distributor

[sshulk]

Hey guys. Im curious how i can clean the exterior of my dvda distributor. Im putting a pertronix kit in it so i have it out of the car and figured i would clean it up. Any tips are appreciated.

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[Glenn]

Wire brushes, steel wool or other abrasives.

Personally, i'd leave it and not open a can of worms.
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[tasb]

0000 steel wool and elbow grease. While you are there, a few drops of oil on the wick under the rotor and some grease on the points rubbing cam.
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[gt1953]

I have used the dremel tool little wire wheel. Then chrome polish.
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[busdaddy]

I find those little stainless and brass toothbrushes that come in a 3 pack along with a plastic one from Harbor freight work very well on things like that, adding a little solvent or WD-40 seems to make it even shinier, there's no instant fix, it does require some elbow grease to look nice.
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[wcfvw69]

Make sure you check that DVDA vacuum canister with a hand vacuum pump and gauge first. Most used ones I see are blown on either the retard side or the advance side. It would be terrible to make the distributor all pretty and it not work due to the vacuum canister.

As Tim mentioned, I'm sure it needs a deep service too if it's never been apart. Every one I disassemble that's never been apart since new are filthy. The old grease is hard and all the parts need to be re-greased and re oiled.
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[Meiang]

To give it a good clean you will need to remove the vacuum advance unit, condenser and the distributor cap clamps. The small screws holding these in place are often very tight and can be difficult to remove. You should use the right size screw driver which just fits in the screw head slot otherwise you risk damaging the slot. I often find using a 1/4"ratchet with a screw driver insert is the best way to undo the screws, again make sure that the screw driver insert is as big as possible so that the slot does not get damaged.

I like to retain the original factory finish to the distributor housings. If you use any abrasive cleaners or wire wheels you get that "someones just cleaned a worn out distributor" look.
My process of cleaning is:
1) Methylated Spirits to remove easily movable grime.
2) Orange Oil to remove more stuborn grime.
3) Brasso to remove the grime that the first two don't remove.

With the Brasso, just dab the fluid on the distributor body, don't rub or you will get a polished effect. Don't leave the Brasso on for more than a few seconds and gently remove using a wet cloth with a dabbing action.

Use a childs toothbrush to remove any grime from nooks and crannies in the distributor body.

[tasb]

Use a childs toothbrush to remove any grime from nooks and crannies in the distributor body.[/quote]


As above old toothbrushes work great. I do my deep cleaning of fully disassembled distributors with lemon juice in a hot pot with great results.
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Roads Scholar
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

Member# 2059

[Glenn]

Ultrasonic cleaner and gentle chemicals.

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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

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[wcfvw69]

Tooth brushes? "Gentle chemicals"? Use a delicate touch!?!?! PPffffttttt...

Get out the industrial sand blaster and let er rip! Go big or go home!
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Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc

40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.

**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours**

[Glenn]

[heimlich]

I sell a product you can use in combination with an ultrasonic cleaner. It will not oxidize your aluminum. Let me know if you are interested.
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[Zundfolge1432]

Yes go big like this machine which uses a plastic media to clean light alloy parts. It will not erode or remove any factory coatings but does remove all dirt and stains. Does a beautiful job on carbs,fuel pumps,distributors, cylinder heads etc. runs about 35 psi and can be used as booth or walk in. Cleans faster than a cat can lick its ass.

[flat4olsen]

"water polishing" or "vandpolering" in danish. I am not familiar with the correct english term.