Cylinder Head Nut Wrench

I've got several "distributor" wrenches (1/2 & 9/16), they are all too small for the Model A head nuts (11/16), and they aren't lined up like the one in Vince's pictures. The Snap-On site only lists the smaller wrenches also
 
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You might try using a crow's foot wrench, these should be easily available, or try a specialty machine shop supplier. When I worked at PWA there were several custom made wrenches such as what you're looking for. Take a regular wrench, cut to length needed and weld top of a 3/8 or 1/2" socket to it and presto you're all set.
Paul in CT
 
There is a similar wrench available from many Model A vendors, and at a lower price than the snapon. Snyders is here:
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/4326

the snap on number on mine is: S8663B

the advantage to this design is that the torque is the same as from a socket on the end of the torque wrench. With a crows foot, the length of the arm is increased, increasing the torque to beyond what is read on the register.
 
The Snap-on number on mine is S-8666. Like the others said the A-suppliers have a tool. The main thing is that the nut and torque wrench connection are concentric.
 
I believe its a distributor wrench for newer cars but works for A's. Craftsman also?

Wish I could find the link again to show a pic but I've seen pictures of a deep impact socket cut in half and a bolt with the head cut off welded to both pieces to 'wrap' around the distributor in the same fashion of this tool.

Shouldn't be too hard to make if you can weld..
 
I have a "8663B" on my 11/16".
I also have a "8164", 5/8", with a date code of 1947

Does anybody else have the "B" after the 8663?

Dudley
 
CarlG,

The S-8666 is definitely 11/16" that is what I just used on the head nuts. It is about 11" tall and has a larger offset that the 8663B mentioned above. You probably looked it up on an internet search, which lists the incorrect size as 9/16".
 
I have a friend that is a mechanic. He will torque bolts without a torque wrench-he goes by feel. I have checked him with a torque wrench and he is right on. He does heads all the time.
 
CarlG,

The S-8666 is definitely 11/16" that is what I just used on the head nuts. It is about 11" tall and has a larger offset that the 8663B mentioned above. You probably looked it up on an internet search, which lists the incorrect size as 9/16".
You are correct, that's where I got my info. I mean, it came directly from a computer, it can't be wrong!:D

Thanks for correcting me.
 
The post you were looking for was on the James Mason site. I merely cut a 9/16" impact socket in half horizontally and welded about a 6" bolt to the outside surface of each of them to "straddle" the distributor. The "offset" is the same at both end so torque readings are not affected. Works great and in my case at no cost since I used a surplus socket.
 
Necessity is the Mother of invention,way to go George. ken ct.Some people dont need a $50 wrench to remove a nut.
 
Re: Question KenCt

Ken, for years I've been wondering why you type your handle after sentences? Do you type that well? Seems like just extra work. LOL coming from a "hunt and pecker."
 
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