Rebuilt 221 engine fireup- oil for distributor?

[oldrelics]

So after running my rebuilt 221 a few times now and getting it to run right, I pulled the distributor and its still dry behind there. No oil. Have 50 pounds on gauge. Where is the oil supposed to come from to oil the dist?

[41ford1]

Depending on the type the distributor has oil holes or oil cups that need servicing when the motor oil is changed. Some aftermarket distibutors use sealed bearings.

[ken ct]

All 221 ci dist have an oil cup on them.Fill oil cup to the top and just add a couple of drops every oil change.I have new oil cups if you dont have one on there.ken ct /

[oldrelics]

I have the oil cup and yes oiled that but the rear bushing has oil holes that looks like to get oir from inside the timing cover. Thats the area thats dry.

[Lawrie]

If you have the dist off,just pump some oil in one of the holes till it comes out the other,
The bush is lubed from splash in the timing gear area,.
Lawrie

[ken ct]

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tHE HOLES COULD BE PLUGGED UP OR THE oiL GROoVE around the lrg. bushing hole could be packed with hard sludge. Routienly cleansd out on a good rebuild. The rear bush. must come out to clean it.ken ct. sorry for the spelling/

[40Pickup]

Took apart my distributor 37-41 and no oil hole was there in the bushes, has a spare on the shelf and took it apart and no oil hole there, either.
When you order front and rear bushings they come without oil hole I guess.
Is there any rule on the diameter of the oil holes and shape in the bushes.
Surely someone has experience with this.

Thanks Jorgen

[Brian]

Those bushes are porous, the oil wicks through the pores and provides lubrication

[ken ct]

Those 2 small holes on the housing in the lft.pic near the bushing lead to an oil groove cut into the housing.remove the bushing and you will see it.Its usually plugged solid with crud and must be cleaned out manually,reinsert bush or install new one.Agood rebuilder will do this on a rebuild.ken ct/

[oldrelics]

I guess I need to explain my question a bit better, I'm not concerned with the distributor I'm concerned why there is no oil at the front of the engine where the distributor goes.

[40Pickup]

Brian, Those bushes are porous, the oil wicks through the pores and provides lubrication

It was my first thought, but I was not sure they were bleeding through enough, but now I know.
Good to know if you want to make your own bushings, so choosing the right materials.

Ken CT,Those 2 small holes on the housing in the lft.pic near the bushing lead to an oil groove cut into the housing.remove the bushing and you will see it.Its usually plugged solid with crud and must be cleaned out manually,reinsert bush or install new one.Agood rebuilder will do this on a rebuild.ken ct/

Removed the bushes and it looked just like you said.

Thanks guys for your input!

Oldrelics, excuse that I jump in here!

Thanks Jorgen

[FlatheadTed]

When the oil is thick (cold ) or at its highest pressur you get a spray over top of the cam gear, down onto the dizzy drive dog , On 35 and later there is a small hole at the top of the 3" hole in the front cover.

[oldrelics]

Originally Posted by FlatheadTed

When the oil is thick (cold ) or at its highest pressur you get a spray over top of the cam gear, down onto the dizzy drive dog , On 35 and later there is a small hole at the top of the 3" hole in the front cover.

So is there something wrong with my flatty? Its rebuilt by a respectable builder. There hasn't been any oil spray....

[41ford1]

I don't think anything is wrong with your engine. That bushing is lubed when the distributor is taken off for service and lube is maintained by oil vapors. The front of the cam gear does not get flooded with oil. If the distributor got over lubed the points would end up getting fouled with oil.

[FlatheadTed]

As 41 said you also get vapor. But also some thrown up of the front crank cam gear .After running it should fill up the Dizy to front cover up to the drive dog .Then after shutting down it drains back through the small hole in the lower cover .