Rust inside distributor

Tom

Tom

69 vette big block
I must have a high humidity garage. started my vette for the first time this season and missing real bad.
I took off the cap and I have rust on the rotor plate and the inside of the cap is burnt ,
this cap has only 45 miles on it since I parked it last winter.DSC_0019.JPG DSC_0018.JPG
 
Its Winter time condensation here in Illinois that does the same.
Want to start the car weekly if possible.
Warm it up. Shut off.

Drill holes in the distributor cap sides may help.
Vent out condensation moisture.
 
You could try chain lube. Sprays on like WD-40, and solidifies into a clear grease film that is designed not to get flung off easily.
 
I use silicone spay inside and out of the distributor to control moisture even in the rain.
 
Thanks, I hate to ruin this FAST distibutor it was expensive, The dern cap is over 30 bucks from summit
Can I use some dielectric greese inside the cap, or will this cause spark jump
 
Tom said:
Thanks, I hate to ruin this FAST distibutor it was expensive, The dern cap is over 30 bucks from summit
Can I use some dielectric greese inside the cap, or will this cause spark jump
Click to expand...
No..no dielectric grease inside of distributor cap.
Best to drill small holes in the cap .
1/16".
So it can vent.
Done on all OAC Vertex mag caps from the factory.
Dont have pictures handy.

Or when stored for the winter wrap a bag around the Cap and wires.
 
ok no dielectric stuff, then Im going with a coat of 85/140 , just hope this does'nt cause spark problems
 
cooler outside atmospheric air contains some moisture, especially if theres wide temperature swings
,between the engines operation and storage temps, rust is the result of trapped moisture / condensation and an unprotected iron surface.
if the engine, is run reasonably frequently the engines operational temps tend too cause any trapped moisture that collected, inside the distributor too evaporate.
on the LT1-LT4 second generation ignition that has an optispark ignition mounted on the front of the engine , they found that connecting a small vacume line to cause air flow constantly through the area where moisture could collect to help significantly in reducing moisture collecting.
LT1Optispark.jpg


http://www.v8wizard.com/water_proofing.php

https://www.kustom1warehouse.net/Distributor_caps_starterers_generators_for_VW_p/page116.htm

spraying the interior of the distributor cap with bWD40 is a temp "cure" that CAUSE's more future issues as the resulting protective film inside the cap attracts and holds dust, and debris
that can and usually does cause electrical shorting & missing ignition related issues, weeks later.
replacing the rotor and dist cap or use of a hair dryer on the parts to remove water and lightly spraying wd40 only after the cap and wire are monetarily removed, would be smarter
 
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So how did the moisture get in there to rust?
I have seen this before when a motor is not getting properly ventilated via PCV and blow-by vapors push into the distributor. This vapors then cause rusting.
 
I thought I had figured out why my garage was a weather machine, guess not, my concrete floor is very cold
If you go back in the archives I posted water in oil after a new engine build, The whole car and block was wet inside.
I did vent the garage but must still get some moisture, like inside the cap.
The vacuum is interesting but I would have to find vacuum above the supercharger for this.
 
Tom said:
I thought I had figured out why my garage was a weather machine, guess not, my concrete floor is very cold
If you go back in the archives I posted water in oil after a new engine build, The whole car and block was wet inside.
I did vent the garage but must still get some moisture, like inside the cap.
The vacuum is interesting but I would have to find vacuum above the supercharger for this.
Click to expand...
Adding Attic or Roof Vents to your garage may help.
 
My garage has a flat rubber roof with a deck on top, so there is no room for vents,
The moisture problem started when I added insulation in the rafters. but I dont know why.
 
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Humid today in harrisburg pa.
Vette is wet all over, windshield is fogged over.
Yes its in the garage.
Thanks grumpy, will look at your links
 
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