Distributor Finish

[John Vardanian]

Question about the S85A distributors... are the bodies supposed to be painted similar to the angle-drive bases or are they supposed to be natural finish? If the answer is natural, how can you get them to look clean as new? Thanks.

john

[DWR46]

John: Marelli S85A distributors were unpainted (bare metal). All we have ever done is to clean them carefully, though you could use some Scotchbrite without getting things to shiny. Also could walnut shell blast them to get a fresh finish.

[John Vardanian]

Thanks Dyke. I used scrubbing pads in the past and it's easy to get a shine, which you don't want.
Strange that every cast part on the motor is painted but the distributors aren't.

john

[250GT]

Marelli distributor N.O.S 20 years on the shelf.

C.

[tyang]

Question about the S85A distributors... are the bodies supposed to be painted similar to the angle-drive bases or are they supposed to be natural finish? If the answer is natural, how can you get them to look clean as new? Thanks.

john

We've had good success bead blasting the bodies when they are completely disassembled. You have to mask the labels and the shiny machined surfaces.

The differences in surface finish is from having the distributors come from Marrelli and not Ferrari. Different company, different way they finish their product.

Tom

[John Vardanian]

Thanks Tom, that makes sense.
Cornelis, as always, thanks for the pictures.

john

[John Vardanian]

Another question, will cad plating the condenser harm it? Are as-original condensers still available? Thanks.

john

[DWR46]

John: original CE1E Condensers are no longer available. Save every on you find!! What they sell today is OK, but not totally correct electrically or in appearance. I have rarely EVER had to replace a condenser on a Ferrari. Same with points, just file them smooth and move forward. I have had some points break a spring and go bad, but rarely.

[John Vardanian]

Thanks Dyke, the ones I have tested within range, but the cad plating has worn thin and you can see rust sprinkles. I was wondering if I could have them re-plated. I am thinking the leads or the Bakelite tops may discolor. I guess I'll take the chance. Thanks.

john

[5speed]

I believe you can get the correct looking CE1E capacitor from Motion Products. I have seen the reproductions and they look very good.

[DWR46]

5Speed: Good comments, but are the microfereds correct?