Modern Ignition Points Rubbing Block Lubrication

BButturff

BButturff

Senior Member
I'm thinking about using a set of modern ignition points that have a felt pad for lubricating the rubbing block. The felt pad can be installed or it can be left out if desired. We ran these type of points back in the '70s with the felt pad installed and lubricated with a little 30W engine oil.


Keeping in mind that some people prefer traditional Model A ignition points, why should I use the felt pad, lubricated with 30W oil or leave it out and lubricate with distributor cam grease? Opinions, personal experience and science are all appreciated.
 
I'll add some additional information. First, my Model A already had a modern distributor plate when I bought it and the points are pitted/should be replaced. Second, I have a couple of new Accel 110228 point sets left over from my drag racing days.
 
Both ways work. The felt pad is a little easier to work into a maintenance routine because you're just removing the rotor and dripping a little oil onto the pad, much like you do to maintain the horn. Grease is probably a better option if you're an absent-minded person, because the oil must be periodically refreshed or the cam follower will melt from heat.
 
BButturff said:
....... I have a couple of new Accel 110228 point sets left over from my drag racing days.
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Put those on Fleabay. Someone will give you enough to buy several sets of "normal" points. Your A will never rev high enough to make use of the increased spring tension those points have. That spring tension will also wear the dist cam faster.


The ACCEL 110228 is a high-performance 32-oz breaker point set designed for Ford distributor ignition systems. It features heavy-duty 32-oz spring tension, extra-thick contact arms, and large tungsten contacts to prevent point float and ensure peak coil output up to 6,500 RPM.


PS - they are $56 a set at Summit Racing.
 
Synchro909 Just read your signature
"I sometimes wonder what happened to the people who asked me for directions."


In high school I worked in a gas station. We had a rule if they got out of the car and asked for directions we'd go as far as getting a map out to show them. If they sat in the car they were getting sent far out of their way.
 
ModelA29 said:
Synchro909 Just read your signature
"I sometimes wonder what happened to the people who asked me for directions."


In high school I worked in a gas station. We had a rule if they got out of the car and asked for directions we'd go as far as getting a map out to show them. If they sat in the car they were getting sent far out of their way.
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That's similar to what one of my employers taught me when I was still at school. I was working at a service station and he taught me to watch a car's lights as it came in off the road, especially at night. If one was blown, let the driver know - you'll probably sell a globe (I think you guys call them bulbs) and if he askes "What do I owe you for fitting it?", it was free. If he asked "Do I owe you anything for fitting?", we were to ask for 50 cents.
I learned a lot from that guy.
 
I have the Standard Motor Parts SL2 Lubricam grease and some TCM/Bendix 10-400536-1 high temp breaker cam lube. Both are fine but I prefer the TCM lube. I used to do a lot of magneto service so I still have a can of that high dollar stuff. Mallory also has a points cam lube.
 
If you have a problem with occasionaly placing a dab of lubricant on the backside of the cam follower then think about switching over to solid state ignition. Then you no longer will have to be concerned about points or lubricant.
 
CT Jack said:
If you have a problem with occasionaly placing a dab of lubricant on the backside of the cam follower then think about switching over to solid state ignition. Then you no longer will have to be concerned about points or lubricant.
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Correct, then you'll be concerned/worrying about the electronics!
 
CT, I will add to what you said. "Then you no longer will have to be concerned about points or lubricant OR CONDENSER"
 
Standard brand performance points always had the felt pad and also included dist cam lube in a little tube, so I guess they wanted you to use the pad and the lube.
I have a tube of Delco distributor cam lube that the size of a tube of tooth paste.
My boss at the time in the late 1960's tried to get me to send it back as he told me I would never use the whole thing in the rest of my life. Boy was he right I've probably
only used a tenth of it in all these years. It was when electronic ignitions were just showing up.
 
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