Distributor Oil leak: Still leaking after Replacing distributor O-ring. Any ideas? (1 Viewer)

[ScubaSteve80]

I've had a small oil leak from my distributor for awhile now. I just replaced the distributor o-ring thinking that would fix the problem... but it didn't. From what I've researched there is a seal inside the distributor shaft that on rare cases goes bad... guess I'm just lucky.

Anyone have any ideas before I spend the $180 on a new distributor? I feel like a new distributor is my only option at this point which I'm ok with doing.

This leak may not bother most people because it's such a small leak but I just finished replacing my oil pump o-ring and I've become a little OCD about oil leaking in the engine. I also don't want oil leaking on my belts and into the alternator.

This is a picture of the leak after I have replaced the o-ring. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[nukegoat]

The o ring seals the interface between the whole unit and the head, but it looks to me like the shaft seal is toast. TBH I don't know for sure but it sounds like the distributor needs to be replaced. This is a question for the obscure lc80 experts like @Tools R Us

Is there oil coming from the o ring seal area or is it only originating from the inside of the distributor?

 

[ScubaSteve80]

The o ring seals the interface between the whole unit and the head, but it looks to me like the shaft seal is toast. TBH I don't know for sure but it sounds like the distributor needs to be replaced. This is a question for the obscure lc80 experts like @Tools R Us

Is there oil coming from the o ring seal area or is it only originating from the inside of the distributor?

Thanks for the reply. I am noticing oil at the bottom of the distributor cap and mainly dripping from the bottom of my upper radiator hose. It's odd to me that the oil leak from the distributor could make it all the way to the bottom of the upper radiator hose but it is slightly above the hose.

Like I said $180 isn't going to break the bank for a new distributor I just wanted to see if there might be an issue I am not thinking of. Thanks again

 

[Kernal]

Could you post up another photo of the leaks in the area of the distributor
(if you haven't cleaned them up yet)?

 

[kayaked56]

Tear it all back apart. Just did this. There is a 1” rubber o-ring inside the distributor shaft. Mine was rock hard.

Simple and easy fix. Hardest is marking with a black sharpie the distributor position and reinstall the same way so your timing remains “in-time”

 

[ScubaSteve80]

Tear it all back apart. Just did this. There is a 1” rubber o-ring inside the distributor shaft. Mine was rock hard.

Simple and easy fix. Hardest is marking with a black sharpie the distributor position and reinstall the same way so your timing remains “in-time”

I did that two days ago and the leak is still happening. That's why I'm posting this to see if there is any other options beside getting a new distributor that I might be missing. At this point I think the shaft seals are shot and a new distributor is my only option which isn't too big of a deal.

 

[ScubaSteve80]

Could you post up another photo of the leaks in the area of the distributor
(if you haven't cleaned them up yet)?

Sorry I cleaned it up. I will say that my LC is not my daily driver and I cleaned out the oil in the distributor two days ago when I replaced the o-ring. The oil in the picture happened after driving only about 30 miles.

 

[ScubaSteve80]

Anyone ever used this distributor before or see any issues with me purchasing it?

More Information for SPECTRA PREMIUM TY43

 

[Tools R Us]

If it's leaking inside, then it's from the shaft inside the housing. Toyota calls it non-servicable, so no parts, only a new assembly. The gear can be pressed off and similar bearing/seal used to repair.

 

[ScubaSteve80]

If it's leaking inside, then it's from the shaft inside the housing. Toyota calls it non-servicable, so no parts, only a new assembly. The gear can be pressed off and similar bearing/seal used to repair.

Thanks for the information. I was afraid it was the seal in the shaft when I was repairing the o-ring but figured I had to give it a shot. Do you see any issues with ordering the above distributor? I know the distributor from Toyota is $400 plus. Not really trying to do that. I am good with the $180 price tag that is on the one above.

 

[Tools R Us]

Thanks for the information. I was afraid it was the seal in the shaft when I was repairing the o-ring but figured I had to give it a shot. Do you see any issues with ordering the above distributor? I know the distributor from Toyota is $400 plus. Not really trying to do that. I am good with the $180 price tag that is on the one above.

Have never seen a Spectra, so no idea.

 

[Tedward]

@Akella
Got one from this gentleman, Cruiser Addiction.
Just the OEM dist. and not the whole assembly. Doesn't come with cap and rotor and is much less expensive then the whole giddy up.
He can sell you the housing, cap and rotor separately too and still much less than the whole assembly.

 

[ScubaSteve80]

@Akella
Got one from this gentleman, Cruiser Addiction.
Just the OEM dist. and not the whole assembly. Doesn't come with cap and rotor and is much less expensive then the whole giddy up.
He can sell you the housing, cap and rotor separately too and still much less than the whole assembly.

I just bought a new cap and rotor. Thanks for the information. That's exactly what I need. It would be awesome if @Akella still has them for sale.

@Akella do you still have this for sale?

 

[Akella]

@Tedward Edward thanks for mentioning me
@ScubaSteve205 unfortunately, the bad news are that housing is discontinued. Unless some of the vendors here still have one on the shelf, it's no longer available. And brand new distributor (whole assembly) is $429.99 USD

 

[ScubaSteve80]

@Tedward Edward thanks for mentioning me
@ScubaSteve205 unfortunately, the bad news are that housing is discontinued. Unless some of the vendors here still have one on the shelf, it's no longer available. And brand new distributor (whole assembly) is $429.99 USD

Thanks for the response. I really just need the distributor gear and shaft. I could use my old housing. Is this something you might have?

 

[Tedward]

@Tedward Edward thanks for mentioning me
@ScubaSteve205 unfortunately, the bad news are that housing is discontinued. Unless some of the vendors here still have one on the shelf, it's no longer available. And brand new distributor (whole assembly) is $429.99 USD

Dislike!
just the discontinued part that is

 

[Kernal]

If you have a small gear puller you can pull the pinion gear off the shaft,
then tap the pointy end of the shaft with a brass mallet and that will push
the shaft and out the wide end. Then knock the seal and bearing out using
a narrow punch and find replacement parts, but that's the hard part.

The difference with the original seal design compared to most you can find off the shelf is that it has a metal shield on the side facing the engine where burnt crusty oil can accumulate. The idea is to keep that debris away from the inner seal lips that ride on the shaft, and there are three lips, most seals have one
or two. That seal is not available from any source (after trying for a few months).

The bearing is a standard size but also a unique design deep groove bearing, it is open on the dirty side with the balls being held in a high temp plastic cage, then a standard seal on the clean side. Something similar can be found for that.

So it is possible to rebuild our distributors, but maybe easier to buy
a replacement, aftermarket or OEM.
FWIW.

 

[LINUS]

@ScubaSteve205 - you really want to drop the $180?

I’d be hitting up any of the 80 breakers for a used on like @arcteryx or that guy who’s in the SW (maybe AL?) - I’m having a senior moment but do you know who I mean?

Either of them would be worth a PM to at least see what’s what IMO.

Or if you’re handy & enjoy work like this, @Kernal ’s way too.
I have cut gaskets from all sorts of material in a prior job/have tools at home, so to me doing a DIY / R&R is worth thinking too.

 

[BILT4ME]

@ScubaSteve205 - you really want to drop the $180?

I’d be hitting up any of the 80 breakers for a used on like @arcteryx or that guy who’s in the SW (maybe AL?) - I’m having a senior moment but do you know who I mean?

Either of them would be worth a PM to at least see what’s what IMO.

Or if you’re handy & enjoy work like this, @Kernal ’s way too.
I have cut gaskets from all sorts of material in a prior job/have tools at home, so to me doing a DIY / R&R is worth thinking too.

@slow95z

Georgia

 

[LINUS]

@slow95z

Georgia

Thx - senior moments keep sneaking up on me