HEI Module Paste
 

Where can I get a tube or small packets of the white insulating paste you're supposed to smear on the bottom of the Ignition Control Module in an HEI distributor?
You get one free with every new ICM, and the local auto parts stores used to have a little katchup packet size for sale on the sides of the cash registers, but I could not find it at my local O'Reilly's nor Auto Zone.
It looks just like white lithium grease, but I'm told that's not it. Also the Ky Jelly-like silicone dielectric grease [used on HEI plug wire and plug ends] is also not the right stuff.
The Modules get hot, and this stuff is supposed to insulate it from the deck of the distributor.
I've been told it's used in computers and you can get it at computer shops, but that world is a mystery to me.
I have a couple of spare, used, checked-OK modules, that I keep in the glove boxes of my trucks, but no fresh white gunk.
So what do you call it and who's got some?

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

Autozone also has the Heatsink Gel and its Wells part number is SL203.
If you have a store around. They all closed down here in SC.
The Radio Shack part number is 276-1372.:chevy:

https://www.autozone.com/miscellaneo...ound/19189_0_0


https://contentinfo.autozone.com/zne...SL203/image/4/

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

On computers they call it thermal paste

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

I buy thermal paste on Amazon. It comes in a syringe so it's easy to apply exactly where you want it.

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

Thanks, Andy. Here in Arizona, there are lots of AutoZones. [I was in my local Zone last night -- had to show the counter guy how to run his diagnostic machine to check out my module. He offered me a job there.]
Radio Shacks have disappeared here. They have an online operation, but the good ol' days of going into the Shack with a sick CB rig and coming out with a perfectly tuned 2-way are long gone. Looks like they're out of 275-1372 anyway.

rpmerf, thanks.

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

Amazon. Right. I should get a big tube for tune-ups. But I want a couple of the catsup packets in the glove box for emergencies

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

I think folks are misunderstanding what this paste does. It isn't an insulating compound but just the opposite. It makes a better heat connection between the module and the dizzy base so heat generated in the module can flow into the metal base of the dizzy and then into the air. No paste = too hot module = early fail.

If you are swapping modules, be sure to remove all the old paste before installing new module + paste.

The paste fills the small imperfections in the metal surfaces between the two surfaces and allows for better heat flow. Too much paste is bad as well.

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

My local AutoZone said to use white lithium or silicon dielectric. That's the same store who first said the modules couldn't be tested, but they sold new ones. I had to show them how to use their diagnostic machine.
Do later distributors not have a module? Even later engines don't have a distributor, I guess.
There seems to be a lot of ignorance and misunderstanding about this substance. I'm proud to be associated with this Board.

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

x2 on the silicone di-electric , you can buy it in a squeeze tube at hardware stores

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

I went to buy a new module and found that the two brands that Oreilley's carry only come with silicone dielectric. Wonder if this is a trend. The bad module I pulled off only had silicone on it...No wonder it failed.

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

It is in the parts shop's and in the manufacturer's best interest to sell you as many modules as they can. Failure boosts their economy. They are banking on Radio Shack's going out of business and making heat sink compound harder to find unless you know what to look for.

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

And by the way, a thin coat of that silicone dielectric on the terminals of the module is probably a good idea, so they are giving you the silicone dielectric for that purpose and just not giving you the most important heat sink compound for under the module.

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

I also use the computer CPU thermal paste.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-007-_-Product

Best thermal paste you can get. Those processors really get hot. Dispenser has a rubber cap on the end so you can still keep it in your glove box.

LockDoc

Re: HEI Module Paste
 

So with Andy's p/n, I went back to my local AutoZone. And sure enough, way in the back they had one last box. I bought it, and it had 2 very small packets inside. So I can put an ICM survival kit in each glovebox of my 2 trucks.
Now that the xmas rush is over I will get a big syringe for the tune-up kitbox.
Thanks for your expertise, Gentlemen.

ElDoradoJim, look closer, the silicon di-electric is NOT the right stuff. Under the ICM you want this heat sink paste, not di-electric grease.