1923 Model 33 Delco distributor parts and info needed. 

Hi Larry,

I can’t help you with the parts, they are where you find them.  Series 33 and 36 parts are difficult to come by. Keep watching Ebay and similar sites. You might check with Brillman Co. and see if they have anything. You could also put a wanted ad in the Emporium.

As far as the grease, I have been told the closest thing to the old cup grease is the white lithium grease you get in a tube. The other kind might be grade 00 grease which is a light grease that will actually flow a little. I think 140 oil might be too thin.

Dave

I have a copy of the Series 33 parts book which would have the Pierce part numbers, but I’m not sure that would help you.  Yes, the 00 grease is used in tractors and lawn mowers. There is a good article on that Distributor in PASB 85-1, downloadable under publications on the website. PASB 83-6 has some aftermarket point numbers.  If the distributor has the part number tag on it, you might try calling Brillman and seeing if they can cross reference. It’s a long shot.

Might be a long shot, but try contacting Tom Vanmeetering at the email [email protected] – he might not only have what you need but also know what numbers to search for in the future. He advertises a lot of NOS ignition parts on the AACA Forum and many people have good reviews for him. Good luck!

From the Series 33 Parts Book. It does give Delco numbers. It looks like the distributor is a 5216.

Dave,

The detailed data for Distrubtor # 5216 was very informative. Would you ( 0r anyone) have similar data for the Delco Distributor # 5202, which was used on the 1919-1921 Series 31 and 51?

I am asking as I have the 5202 distributor and would value info on repair/replacements parts.

thanks,

James

David,
YES, thank you VERY much.

James

Dave,

Alas, no. I own a 1919 Locomobile Model 48 and some prior owner removed the magneto and installed a Delco 5202 Distributor from a Pierce Arrow. This is clear at the Pierce Arrow data is noted on a brass plate on the distributor.  I did see the Model 31 on the Emporium but the price is outside my range.

James

Larry:  You posted photos of the parts you are inquiring about.  To me this means that you have those parts currently in your distributor.  Unless the rotor is cracked, or the points worn out, they are serviceable items.  I prefer ‘tried and true’ parts as opposed to ‘new and untested’.  With the very low chance of finding new old stock [NOS] parts, we generally choose the best condition of the used parts on hand to use.

The main wear areas are the inside of the distributor caps where the rotor-button rubs on the cap.  The owners manual says to wipe a thin layer of petroleum jelly [vaseline] onto the contact area of the cap, rub it into the bakelite, then wipe off.  This leaves a very thin layer of lubrication.  The caps do sometimes develop cracks, and that makes the cap unusable.

The Pierce Arrow Foundation made a run of 8cyl and 12cyl distributor caps and rotors, but not any caps that fit the Dual Delco distributor and the Series 80/81 distributors..  I do not know of anybody making new replacement 6cyl caps.

The point surfaces are tungsten.  You can dress the surface smooth using a stone or a diamond sharpening device..  A surprisingly good tool is a fingernail file with impregnated diamond dust as the abrasive surface.  I keep one of these in my on-road tool bag.

Condensers are another concern.  Original and old type condensers are made of layers of metal foil separated by wax paper.  Over time and with heat, the wax can migrate out of the paper and leave the foil layers not well insulated,  Eventually this will cause the condenser to fail.. There are solid-state condensers available that can be put inside the old condenser case.  I currently do not know of anyone offering this service.  But finding an original condenser is extremely difficult if not impossible.

I hope the above info helps with your project. Best of luck.

Greg Long