On the redblock I-4 OHC engines ... I'm unsure the OHV redblock I-4 or I-6 engines ...

Under the distributor cap, with the rotor removed, you peer down the hollow shaft, to which the rotor secures.

I seem to recall a maintenance step where you perform a distributor service. Merely peek under the distributor cap, look for carbon arcs, and the like.

I dunno if on my four 1970s Volvo 240 or my three 1990+ 240s.

In the hollow shaft under the removed rotor, there's a piece of felt that you drop some oil into to lubricate the upper mechanical section not treated by engine oil under pressure or splashed oil?

Thanks folks.

You asked what service is performed under the rotor -- and then correctly answered your own question -- "In the hollow shaft under the removed rotor, there's a piece of felt that you drop some oil into to lubricate the upper mechanical section not treated by engine oil under pressure or splashed oil?" -- exactly!
Of course on the later motors that don't rely on the distributor for timing this doesn't apply. And you may recall this other service performed on the distributors of the 140 cars--putting a few drops of oil into the "cup" on the side of the dizzy. -- Dave

Dave,

Thank you.

Since owning this 1991 240 in June 2000, to replace my much missed 1979 242 GT, I'd look under the rotor to find nothing.

I'm just confusing the 1970s 240s I had with the 1990+ three 240s I have now.

Yes, a family relation had a navy blue Volvo 164e, with BW35 and teh Bosch D-Jet. The owner would do this, lubricate the distributor, and I watched him do so. He'd also be on top of those short fuel line sections, the hose clamps, as they'd leak.

He drove that Volvo 164 between St. Louis and Chicago nearly weekly for years. Oh well.

Thank you,

B.

I always thought that the distributor shaft cam was lubricated to prevent abnormal wear on the points interrupter block. I recall buying tune-up kits for Fords that came with the points, condenser, cap, lube and gap tool.

No points, no lube necessary.