Topic: Renewal felt cam

[Deltarider]

Having done over 140.000km, the little felt at the ignition cam needed renewal. I ordered one at CMSNL that, to my surprise, came, drenched in some yellow grease, in a sachet. Here's what I did wrong. My TEC has, in contrast to the Hitachi plate, a removable clamp. In my attempt to manoevre the felt in the narrow little clamp, I accidently squeezed most of the grease out of the felt. Hence my advise: first widen the gap of that little clamp, position the felt and then use pliers to pinch the clamp back.

[MauiK3]

Were you able to re-grease it with something?

[denward17]

Have to be careful what you grease it with, and especially the quantity.

Many years ago as a lad, I was at the drag strip with my Z1B, it was running perfectly until it wasn't.

I had made 2 passes and was going to start my 3rd, but it wouldn't crank.

The day before I was adjusting points/timing and added a little bit of oil to the felt.  Apparently I added too much and it was slung just enough to coat the contacts.  Of course I didn't know at the time, but when I trailered it home, the thought hit me while driving.  Got home, still would not fire off, sprayed some electronic cleaner and then it fired up.

[Deltarider]

Were you able to re-grease it with something?

@ MauiK3 Prior to fitting that felt, I had put an eenie tiny bit of Duckhams Lithium grease, which is good up to 230^o Celsius.
@ Denward Yes, a friend had the same happen (Yamaha XS650). One or two drops every 5k is enough, no more. In general: when you isolate the breakerpoints for whatever reason: testing and/or to spare the coils, no matter what you use - a paper business card or a piece of a plastic credit card - be prepared that two or even all 4 cylinders won't fire. It always amazes me how little it takes to render the points useless. So, after isolating the points, always clean them prior to starting.

[seanbarney41]

I believe Honda calls for the same high temp dielectric grease that is used on the back of the brake pads here.  That is what I have used for years anyway.  I can remember new point sets coming with the little disposable pouch of grease that looked just like that  Dow Corning stuff.

[Deltarider]

[...] I can remember new point sets coming with the little disposable pouch of grease that looked just like that  Dow Corning stuff.

Mechanics at dealers usually preferred installing a complete plate. The advantage was: new breakers, new condensers and a new felt. No extra costs, less labour: good for the mechanic, good for the customer. That pouch contained a by Honda greased felt. Good product.