Spark Control rod lubrication

[walkerlakeprinter]

Should the spring end of the control rod that goes from the steering column to the distributor upper plate be lubricated? The end of the plate arm has a ball fitting that came loose on mine..... Is there a way to keep it from coming loose? I am trying contact cement, but the thought crossed my mind that it might have less friction on it if I put a little grease inside the end of the rod.
Thoughts?

 

[Fullraceflathead]

all of the small Balls should be greased.

 

[Gary WA]

also two lube points on top of the linkage behind engine on each end at the top-
oil

 

[walkerlakeprinter]

Thanks. I thought so. Got 'em all greased.

 

[walkerlakeprinter]

Well, contact cement didn't work to hold the ball stud on the distributor upper plate. Maybe I could solder it by heating it up and doing it like we do with copper sweat fittings? I'm trying to fix it without having to remove the upper plate and disturbing the timing.

 

[chrs1961815]

This a frequent problem with upper plates. The rivet that holds the point stud on and the one that holds the control ball on are the two that are frequently loose. I have tried using a punch to flatten the rivet and tighten it more but with little success. I do not think solder would work, but it may be worth a try.

 

[walkerlakeprinter]

I will try. I will let you know......but still open for more ideas.

 

[walkerlakeprinter]

Today, I found out that the last time I retarded the spark, the rod had come off and pushed the distributor body off the base far enough to dislodge the connection to the #4 spark plug. The car started and ran, but sure didn't sound right. I saw a VERY healthy spark jumping more than an inch to the brass connector.

 

[Gary WA]

why not just replace the upper plate? Easy to do!

 

[chrs1961815]

I would just replace the plate at this point as Gary said.

 

[walkerlakeprinter]

Yup. That's what I'm going to do.....replace the upper plate. Everything failed up to now. I'm going to contact cement it again so I can start and move the car while waiting for the new upper plate.