Jeff N.

OK Jedi Masters,

How the heck do you remove that lower distributor cap dohicky? Clark's suggests some mega long screwdriver - is that the only way?

Jeff

MichelleJD

It's a real PITA. I think I used a very short screwdriver, IIRC.

David Floyd

You gotta hold your mouth right also, but.... yea a long screwdriver will do it, push in and turn

SD Porsche Fan

Swearing helps.

I used one of those right angle screwdrivers.

And if you think taking the distributor off is fun, wait until you put it back on!

Loquat15

short stubby screwdriver is what it takes.

schwank

I used a stubby Craftsman flat head... and the mouth thing does help.

And BEER. A couple of them preferably. Also eases the sting when you slip and gouge your knuckles.

TRACKIN951

Well getting it out is the easy part, trust me. Putting it back on is a PITA

dime1622

Take out the 10mm bolts holding the cam gear cover. Then you don't even have to mess with the damn thing while it's still on.

Zero10

Much easier to take off than put on.
If you take the front gear cover off and this _works_, then you are missing the dust cover inside.
The trick is to get a 3/8" socket wrench, a 3/8"-1/4" adapter and a 1/4" drive screwdriver bit holder, then a really wide flat-head bit.
It is exactly the right depth to fit in behind the headlight bar when pushed in slightly.
Basically you use your left hand to push it straight in, then give it the 1/4 turn necessary with your right on the ratchet handle.
I can get mine undone on the first try every time, and usually get it latched back on within 3 tries with no drama at all.
Remember, the bottom screw turns to the right to release the cap, and to the left to latch it back in later

shiners780

Using this procedure http://clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/ign-01.htm and a big-*** flathead screwdriver (like 18" long) it's a piece of cake.

Jeff N.

OK - in a fit of creativity, I cobbled together a solution to remove and install.

(1) short flat blade screw driver
(1) one large cresent wrench
(1) 1/2 inch open end wrench

Put flat blade on lower mount. Place cresent wrench against headlight lift mechanism. Carefully pry inwards. Use 1/2 wrench on screwdriver handle to rotate screw driver.

Bingo! Thanks for the suggestions and motivation. What a pain in the ****!

hosrom_951

It is easy if you know how....

Disconnect the coil to distributor wire.

Remove the top timing belt cover (the black top cover).

Remove the distributor cover (where it sits on).

The cap and cover come out as one piece, put it on a work bench and just remove the cap. I find this method handy, since when you install the cap back onto the housing, you can see exactly where the cap screws catch onto the right points....

Shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to remove it.

xsboost90

ok now do it a hundred times and youll be a pro!

if it has the stock dust cover behind the rotor button you cant pull the whole top assy without breaking it.

Cosmatics951

can i install the cap with the top timing cover off then put it back on and such. getting that thing on is the last thing standing in my way of actually having a car to drive.

Cosmatics951

Also stupid question does the dust cover go in front of the cam housing cover or behind it? I forget.

Nevermind I see from pelican it goes in front of the housing behind the rotor.