Distributor cap removal??

[m37_power]

Can someone let me know how to get to the 2 bottom screws on my distributor cap that hold it on? I cant seem to get to them to remove the cap. I would appreciate any help you can give.

[MSeriesRebuild]

Can someone let me know how to get to the 2 bottom screws on my distributor cap that hold it on? I cant seem to get to them to remove the cap. I would appreciate any help you can give.

Not totally clear on your question, I'm assuming you are wanting to remove the distributor cover. The actual cap is installed inside the cover and held in place by 3 screws. The screws can be accessed by a screwdriver of the appropriate length. The job is far easier if you take the plug cables loose, unhook the ignition wire #12, remove the 1/4" bolt that secures it to the block, and pull the distirbutor out of the block. Then you can simply clamp the unit in a vise to perform the needed service.

[m37_power]

Yes, i was just wanting to remove the cover. I have all the plug wires off of it and cant seem to get to the bottom screw. Ill just remove the distrubutor and then work on it like you said. That seems like it would be easier. Thanks for the quick response.

[Nickathome]

I know exactly the problem you are having. I tried to remove the bottom screws in the way you're doing it, and without removing the distributor from the engine, its going to be a little tough, but it can be done. Get yourself one of those small 2" long phillips head screwdrivers(I'm assuming your dist has phillips head screws line mine does) and get to the screws from under the truck..

Best method is to do as Charles suggests, and simply take the distributor completely out of the block then work on it in a padded vise. That's how I did it. Just put a mark on the shaft to let you know the position of the shaft and tang so when you reinsert it, it goes in the way it came out.

[m37_power]

yeah, im going to mark the distrubutor and then turn it to get to the bottom screws tonight so i can remove the cover. Thanks for the good ideas guys.

[Nickathome]

You're not going to be able to mark the dist shaft without removing it. Turning the dist will do nothing other than will allow access to the screws. Its real easy to remove, just remove all the wires, then remove the screw on the side of the dist that holds it to the block, then pull it out. You can mark the slot where the screw that holds it in place was put that's not a real big issue. Very easy to work on the dist when its out of the truck. As long as you mark the shaft it will be fine when it goes back in. Besides, if you have a military dist which has the offset tang, its pretty much foolproof to reinstall unless you force it in, which will take some real doing to accomplish. If civilian, then a whole other ball game as the tang is not offset and will need ot be placed in exactly as it came out.

[m37_power]

yep its the stock distributor and you say foolproof huh...lol. im going to take a look at it when i get home this evening and see how i want to take it out. thanks for the advice.

[Nickathome]

yep its the stock distributor and you say foolproof huh...lol. im going to take a look at it when i get home this evening and see how i want to take it out. thanks for the advice.

Yes, a stock military distributor with its offset tang itsvery easy to put back into its original setting. Its when you have the civilian dist with its straight tang that can get you in trouble, as in you can wind up putting the dist back 180 off. Trust me, its easier to work on when it is out of the truck.