Distributor hold down screw help

[Saverio]

Maybe this is a dumb question but, is there a trick to getting to the damn distributor hold down screw?
Currently, the vacuum advance and ignition coil are both on top of the screw, blocking access.

I scared the crap out of myself by accidentally touching a screw on the coil with the socket. That's when I decided to stop. Ha.

 

[69KillerFish]

There is a special offset wrench to access the distributor bolt.

 

[buckshotbishop]

move the vacuum advance to the other side rearrange the plug wires and re-time then just use a swivel extension

 

[duster360]

I bought the special wrench at my local auto parts store.

 

[Johnny Dart]

Get yourself a distributor wrench. All the big auto chain stores should have them.

 

[3406pk]

I use the offset wrench pictured above. It hit the coil terminal once so I put some tape at that spot. Scared **** out of me until I figured what happened.

 

[Saverio]

Thanks everyone! Didn't know about the wrench!

 

[70DartMike]

I use a swivel head socket, or just cut an old 1/2" wrench down to fit back there.

 

[krazykuda]

1/4" drive ratchet with a standard/short 1/2" socket can ususally work. If not get a distributor wrench.

 

[Rapid Robert]

1/4" drive ratchet with a standard/short 1/2" socket can ususally work.

X2 on that or a short 1/2" 12 pt box wrench & I cut one in two for the right length just for this

 

[duster360]

Get yourself a distributor wrench. All the big auto chain stores should have them.

That's the one I have.

 

[clhyer]

I use a crow foot socket with a long 3/8" extension. I started using this after the socket-flex joint-extension shorted across the coil also!
C

 

[RustyRatRod]

Put a big block in it. Problem solved.

 

[jerry6]

Put a big block in it. Problem solved.

That will do it ! Why couldn't they design the small block like that ? So much easier working on a 440

 

[RustyRatRod]

He could put a Ford motor in it with the same results.

 

[jerry6]

He could put a Ford motor in it with the same results.

That be crazy talk .

 

[69_340_GTS]

I use a crow foot socket with a long 3/8" extension...
C

Yep, that works the best! Those special distributor wrenches pictured above don't work on my 340 at all. No room.

 

[Johnny Dart]

Operator air......Welcome to the site though.

 

[TrailBeast]

What the heck is wrong with an open end half inch wrench.

OHHH, that's right you guys probably don't have HEI and your coil is in the way. :angel9:

Really though, I don't tighten it down hard.
Just enough to keep it from moving, so a half open end works just fine.

 

[69_340_GTS]

Operator air......Welcome to the site though.

Thanks Johnny!