Distributor cam screw

JimG1127

JimG1127

Member
I want to set the point gap and set the timing on my A that i bought a month ago. Cannot get the Distributor cam screw loose. Probably hasn't been adjusted in years. I sprayed it with WD40. Put the cam wrench on it and tried to loosen the screw. Nothing. I'll try it again tomorrow. Any tips? If I can't get it loose do I need to take the distributor apart?
Thanks.
 
Large screw driver bit in a 3/8" drive socket. One hand palm down on top of socket. Other hand on a breaker bar. Leverage is your friend.
 
I would remove the distributor and place it in a vise then try using a small impact gun while holding the cam with a visegrip plier. If the cam gets damaged it can be replaced with a new one.
 
My big screwdriver has a square shank that I can grip with a crescent wrench for leverage. Just a thought.
 
J Franklin’s method is what I’ve done, keep downward pressure on the driver. You don’t have to hold the cam when loosening the screw. Get some better penetrating oil, I like PB blaster
 
The tang on the end of the distributor shaft can be damaged. Putting the shaft in a vise would be my approach. If the distributor won't pull out of the head, then vice grips on the cam would be my next step.
 
All good tips. Thanks. A thicker bladed screwdriver would help. I agree, more leverage is needed. I love my breaker bar when its time to take off lug nuts. I'll put it to use here too.
 
Realize it would be some down time and require a parts order, but if you damage the tang on the distributor shaft by loosening the cam, it should be replaced anyhow. I'd rather know that while I'm doing a tune-up in my garage than to have it leave you stranded on the side of the road.
 
Please do not use the impact driver that you smack with a hammer. Very good chance you will break the cast iron casting of the distributor. Better choice is get a hex nut that fits a 5/16" thread and which a 1/2" wrench will fit. Place the nut atop the screw and a quick simple mig weld thru the center will fix the nut to the screw and the heat created by the weld will help greatly to loosen the screw.
 
Unless you put it in, could be someone could not keep it tight because it was missing the lock washer and used loctite.
 
redmodelt said:
Unless you put it in, could be someone could not keep it tight because it was missing the lock washer and used loctite.
Click to expand...

Very true ... could be that they only added the flat washer and not the lock washer. Or the other way around!

Originally Ford had a thin flat washer and a thin lock washer.

If you leave out either one the screw bottoms out in shaft and cam never gets tight.
 
Note the SOME newer repro ( thin flat washer and thin lock washer )

has been replaced with one lockwasher that is as thick as the lock washer and flat washer together.
 
Last edited:
Use heat from a propane torch on the head of the screw, then let it cool, then repeat several times. Then apply some penetrating oil (after it cools). Then it may come off. Do not use excessive force where you damage the screw slot (as others have said, the screwdriver should fit in the slot snugly). If this process does not remove the screw, then drill the screw out gradually until the head pops off.
 
JimG1127@Gmail.com said:
I want to set the point gap and set the timing on my A that i bought a month ago. Cannot get the Distributor cam screw loose. Probably hasn't been adjusted in years. I sprayed it with WD40. Put the cam wrench on it and tried to loosen the screw. Nothing. I'll try it again tomorrow. Any tips? If I can't get it loose do I need to take the distributor apart?
Thanks.
Click to expand...


Using the large flat blade screw driver as recommended is one. Many large screw drivers are square shank which means more force can be applied with a small adjustable wrench. Mix up a little acetone and ATF (auto trans. fluid) this is better than WD40. If that doesn't work. Try a little heat. and light taps with a hammer. Warning! Don't get mad at it! You will note that the threads are different than any other! I don't even know the thread size! I'm pretty sure it's another one of Henry's weird metrics. DON"T LOSE IT OR WRECK IT! Neither Lowes or Home Depot has it. So be patient, it will come loose! Good Luck!
Terry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top