Distributor overhaul

[mccoop72]

After removing my distributor I found the weights gummed up with this grayish goo….Anyway I cleaned it all out and everything gauges good.

My question is what do I need to go from the prestolite to the Swiss style ignition besides the kits that are for sale everywhere?

And any ideas on what this goo is and where it came from?

Thanks

[hondo100]

Looks like the potting material from the coil has leaked out.

[Hambone]

Looks like the potting out of your Prestolite ignition, well known for that.

[rickf]

If the ignition module is missing it's potting material then that is what it is. If the potting is still in the module that it is oil from the coil and you really do not want that on your skin. The fact that is is in the coil area makes me think it is from the coil.

[mccoop72]

The gunk ended up being that potting material. Distributors being rebuilt with a new swiss style ignition. Thanks for the replies.

[Mark]

Is the stuff PCP?That stuff will give you cancer My memory could very well be wrong, if it is I'll delete my post later on.

[rickf]

The potting material is just epoxy and not dangerous but the oil from the coil is very bad stuff and from that pic I think the coil has let go also. The potting material would not be a liquid form like what is in the coil pocket.

[raymond]

PCB's are bad stuff, but not all dielectric insulating oils contained them.
Shell's Diala A and Diala AX have always been PCB free.
And it's not going to kill you or make you grow a third eye just by being there, however any future kids you may have will likely be born naked.
The effects are cumulative, so limit exposure as much as possible.
Take proper precautions such as wearing gloves when cleaning it up, and put the rags/gloves inside several plastic bags and you will be just fine.