Oil weep in 20v distributor

[Kneale Brownson]

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At 03:28 PM 07/15/2002 -0700, dan sinclair wrote:

>Well, I think I may have another reason to change out my rattling distributor.
>
>I went to check my cap and rotor this weekend and found a small bit of
>engine oil at the base of the cap.  It was a small amount, but clearly it
>shouldn't be there.
>
>Questions:
>
>1. Is a new distributor the right solution?
>2. Is a distributor change-out a DIY job, or is it best handled by a
>pro?  It's a side mounted beast with a fair amount of interference with
>ABS lines, booster, etc. so any BTDTs appreciated.

Bernie Benz helpfully reported recently that he disassembled a distributor
for his 200q20v and found that there is no seal to keep oil from where you
found it, but rather there is a spiral drain machined into the stem of the
distributor and a cotton fabric to catch the oil so the drain can direct it
back.  He postulated that if you have oil coming past this system, you have
elevated crankcase pressures you need to address.
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