Proper Distributor lubrication

[ratwell]

Early 70's Bosch Aluminum Distributor Exploded Diagram (translated from German):

_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ

[ratwell]

Early 70's Bosch Aluminum Distributor Removal/Installation Instructions (translated from German):

_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ

[Frederik]

This is later Volvo lubrication chart. Basicly Ft1v4 on the points block (and cam), oil on felt under rotor and Ft1v26 on everything else. Or Volvo "distributor grease" 116 1136-7 on everything. Due to the different coupling I don't think they intended it to be taken apart more than the expload view shows for lubrication and nothing is shown for lubrication of the lower shaft.

Ft1v4 is in modern Bosch part # 5700002005 (or ..025)
Ft1v26 is in modern Bosch part # 5700005005 (or ..025)

[Frederik]

[ratwell]

[ratwell]

From 2007/2008 Bosch Accessories Catalog:

[Frederik]

Google translate? Ft1v4 is a hot bearing grease, not "storage"

And by the properties you can see why I pointed out and still think it is better to use a ball bearing grease (universal lithium grease) in place of Ft1v26. The nick name "distributor grease" for Ft1v4 have had people think it goes everywere in the distributor, but it is only for the points. It's good for points block and cam where you (should) wipe it off and apply new grease at least every points change. Not as good inside the distributor where its stays longer. The sticky properties is also great for points, but not needed or as good elsewhere. There is also no advantage in the hot/cold properties..

In reallity it might not matters what you use inside the distributor, but it is sure not more correct or better to use the "distributor grease" ("points grease") Ft1v4 as I see it. Everything is better than 50 years of dirt though..

[ratwell]

Here’s what Bosch has to say on the availability of these lubricants which might help track down any old stock in future.

NMV = NLA
Unbekkant = unknown

FT1V4 = 5700002025
FT2V3 = 5700081025 / nicht mehr Verfügbar
FT1V26 = nicht mehr Verfügbar
Ft 1 V 8 = 5700003005 /025 nicht mehr Verfügbar
Ft 1 v 22 = unbekannt
Ol 1 V 2 = 5701071610/ nicht mehr Verfügbar
Ol 1 V 13 = unbekannt
_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ

[wcfvw69]

I thought of this thread while I took apart a basically brand new Mexican 034 yesterday. I guess you can say the factory liked to over grease! lol.

_________________
Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc

Decades of VW and VW parts 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**

[ratwell]

[wcfvw69]

[Frederik]

This is a later Bosch grease table (mid 70's). It's in Swedish but I can come back with a translation of needed. I also have it from late 50's but it might not be interesting as it all is in Swedish.

[heimlich]

Lubricate and/or oil anything that has metal on metal. You do not want metal to be touching metal without any type of lubrication. Once you lubricate and run the distributor you can easily clean up any excess with a small towel. Just attach the bottom of the drive gear to something that can spin it quite well. Then take a small towelette and wipe off the inside of the distributor.

Very weak grease used on a rotation area will easily slide off the unit. For instance, if you put wheel bearing grease on the cam lobes it will easily disappear due to centrifugal force and not provide any support. This is what the point grease is for. It is a high temperature grease to support this area.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)

[Glenn]

Bosch Distributor Grease does not come off from the centrifugal force of running the engine. That's why it works so well.
_________________
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

[ratwell]

I located some Ft 1 v 26 grease on eBay:

It was repackaged by Kohler and their part number is 33-527-02 if more can be located.

The grease itself has a creamy consistency and I'm going to see what I can source that has similar composition and consistency.

Like the Ft1v4 distributor cam grease, there's a newer style white and blue colored tube out there somewhere.

_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ

[Glenn]

That's more of a bearing grease.

This is the Distributor Grease.

_________________
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

[heimlich]

Bosch distributor grease is readily available. It's $15 a tube on the classifieds here. It's also on ebay.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)

[heimlich]

There are a few grease points missing in the picture. Notably the vacuum canister and points plus a number of others.

You do not want to reuse those fiber washers under the weights. I have custom made plastic for those areas in my distributor rebuilds. The originals disintegrate very easily. When they do there is wear caused on the rods that stick out that becomes a problem.

[ratwell]

[Frederik]

This is a German 0 231 178 003 (industrial engine centrifugal distributor). Not nos but probably very few hours on it.

Less "over" greased, but still a good smear under the weights contact to the plate. Some grease have been thrown out to the walls of the distributor, but here that doesn't matters. And No hair