Oil in distributor

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
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ROOK1

Oil in distributor

Post by ROOK1 »

My distributor has oil inside the cap area that drips on the header causing smoke. What is the cause? And more importantly how do I fix it?

71 1600
BEEK
Posts: 1833
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:45 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Spider
Location: clermont fl

Re: Oil in distributor

Post by BEEK »

the distributor shaft seal is leaking, replacement seals are available, the hardest part is driving out the pin that holds the gear on, it is installed and can be removed in 1 direction only. after examination it will be apparent which way it should go. remember set the motor on top dead center, before removing the distributor, will be much easyer to retime during reassembly. tdc = firing to #4 on a fiat
Automotive Service Technology Instructor (34 year Fiat mechanic)
75 spider
, 6 Lancia Scorpions, 2018 Abarth Spider, 500X wifes, 500L 3 82 Zagatos. 82 spider 34k original miles, 83 pininfarina, 8 fiat spider parts cars
son has 78 spider
ventura ace

Re: Oil in distributor

Post by ventura ace »

Removed -- I see that someone else has already replied at the same time.

A
ROOK1

Re: Oil in distributor

Post by ROOK1 »

Thanks. Ill look into this soon.
So Cal Mark

Re: Oil in distributor

Post by So Cal Mark »

if you're using an electronic distributor, leaving that oil in there will ruin the wiring to the pickup
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stefhahn
Posts: 269
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:57 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000
Location: Stuttgart / Germany

Re: Oil in distributor

Post by stefhahn »

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engineerted
Posts: 531
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:57 pm
Your car is a: 1974 124 spider
Location: Farmington Hills, MI

Re: Oil in distributor

Post by engineerted »

Thats a good video, but I have two issues with it. 1. That pin does not come out that easy, and I would use a vice with soft meatal jaws and clamp on the gear itself. Clamping on the aluminum housing and driving the pin out as shown is not good for the bearing. 2. Replace the bearing if you are replacing the seal.


Ted
Ted
1978 124 Spider, Complete Restoration
1974 Fiat 124 F Production Race car
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