Distributor Spanner

[mike@thenook]

I've always fought with using various small spanner's to get to the two 7/16" screws that keep the distributor base in place.

Having just completed the top end rebuild following fitting new recon heads (thanks to Robsport) the head gasket replacements with Cometic gaskets and fitting Stagdads belt driven water pump I managed to fit those distributor screws so tight I couldn't budge them using my usual spanner's.

So, I made a tool:

I found an old small drive 7/16 socket and cut the socket end off with an angle grinder then drilled through the side to accommodate the lever I found in my kit (no idea what it is or why I have it!) so that it just fits snugly but can be removed if needed for whatever it was intended for.

I only found two of these tools on eBay in the USA, used and around $25 each plus shipping and tax so let's say around £40.00. They are not obtainable new from Snapon Tools now.

Cheers

Mike

[Philip Wardle]

Neat solution!

By sheer fluke I found a used Snap On tool on Ebay when looking for something else - part no S9467B, which is described as a 7/16" 12-point distributor ring spanner / wrench.

s-l140.jpg

[wilf]

Weird - I have never had an issue using "normal" spanners there, but I do remove the coil first.

[jbuckl]

I warmed up an offset ring spanner (£6) just after the first bend and gave it a 90 degree bend.
works perfectly for me when it isn’t loaned out / lost!

Like the snap on version, but they are expensive…. Even second hand. £65 ish?

[trunt]

I searched eBay etc here in USA and they are very common.. except in 7/16! I did get a long 7/16 ring spanner, which one day(probably the day I need it) I will bend!

[sujitroy]

This works well its a 1/4" drive. no need to remove distributor

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTSU14014?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google_mon thly-special_202401&campaign=GSC-Promos&campaign_id=6478906937&adgroup_id=788449509 18&adtype=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzoeuBhDqARIsAMdH14G6Cd p4xgpHdWPyOU-xhkqBW9SeApwks5b6t-RavV4FBIHxkDRNLaoaAndIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_so urce=1

[marshman]

Weird - I have never had an issue using "normal" spanners there, but I do remove the coil first.

Exactly ! When I first got the Stag I didn't find accessing the distributor bolts was an issue, no worse than on some other cars. I didn't even realise there was a "special" spanner until I read about it on the forum some months later. Just slacken the bolts holding the coil, slip it out and away you go, my usual 7/16" ring spanner fits a treat.

[ramjam2005]

I've always fought with using various small spanner's to get to the two 7/16" screws that keep the distributor base in place.


So, I made a tool:

My dear old dad (passed now) , a Ford trained mechanic in the 1940's, made or machined up many a tool for a specific awkward job. I still have plenty of his spanners, some weirdly shaped or heavy duty tools for commercials/HGV's, stored in an old wooden WWII ammunition box. Necessity is the Mother of Invention !

AND..to easily identify and recover any of his "loaned" tools on someone else's workbench, he made a special mark using a centre punch.

[paul jorgensen]

Here is one I made about 38 years ago, I did my apprenticeship as a mechanic with the GPO who then split to become the post office and British Telecoms.

I made it out of a screwdriver and a 7/16 spanner. You can still see the Telecoms T on the handle.

IMG_2587.jpg

[022Dave]

The special tool comes into its own when trying to adjust the distributor on a hot & running engine, to set the timing, then nip it up to stop it moving. That said, I’m also one of those who have moved the coil to the bulkhead, which also makes the timing easier to adjust.

Dave

[MandM]

I made my own Crows foot

P1060681.jpg P1060683.jpg

[Goldstar]

Coil out of the way and a flex head 7/16 ratchet spanner works a treat

[APS]

I really cannot see the issue here if you have electronic ignition.
Move the coil, set your timing, replace coil. Then leave it alone.
I had my first stag over 40 years ago, it had piranha electronic ignition. Never had to check or adjust the timing in over 20 years.
I checked the timing when I got my current stag, owned a little less than 2 years, it has lumenition electronic ignition. Timing was already spot on. So I will not be looking to be able to adjust it and so will not need any special spanner tools.
If you have points then I understand the need, but what a faff that would be.

[richardthestag]

Coil out of the way and a 7/16 ratchet spanner works a treat

What he said

[trunt]

Ok on the extra work of removing the coil, However if you actually have a spanner for the job then why not use it..