Stripped distributor screw

markiz41

Member
The little #6 or #8 screw that holds down the points in position is spinning freely, but not coming out. I actually don't know if it's the sheet metal or the screw that's damaged. Tried vise-grips - no luck. Awful tight in there for big tools.. Any ideas on how to deal with this? I'm willing to sacrifice the points, just want to save the distributor.
 
Not sure what engine you're dealing with, and so don't know your exact setup, but I've sometimes had luck using one of the little "claw" setups you use to retrieve dropped hardware. Put it over the screw and press the plunger, push it down and release the plunger. If you can get the claws over the head of the screw, it often allows you to put a bit of reverse pressure on it and pull it up enough for the threads to bite.
 
What I would try is a small screwdriver with the last 1/4" or so heated and bent 90 degrees. slip it behind the points, pry upward, and turn the screw with another screwdriver. Hopefully it will find the thread and back on out.

You don't say what the distribuitor is in, but I have taken the old Delco distribuitors from the '50s apart to clean them up, but you do have to remove the distribuitor to do this and get the drive gear or coupling off the end of the shaft.
 

It's a Delco. Now that I've looked at it closer, I think I see a way to pop out that whole mounting plate for the points and condenser without tearing the distributor down. There's a screw on the side that may hold it in place. Will try it and report back. Thanks.
 
Needle-nose Vise Grips. But you'll probably need to replace the breaker plate anyway. These parts used to be stocked by auto parts stores; you should be able to find a replacement.
 
Are you sure that is not an eccentric rivet with a screw driver slot in the top to turn it when adjusting the points. The breaker frame has a slotted hole that fits over the rivet head when the hinge tube slides over the pivot pin, and a real screw holds the breaker assy. in place on the plate.
Loren
 
All's well. The breaker plate was held in by the two screws that double as cap clip pivots. I now have a clean shot at the stripped screw. The real good news is I can re-tap that hole for a bigger screw since the original is much smaller than slotted points hole. Thanks,everyone!
 
I use a "screw holding" screwdriver when installing or removing distributor screws. If the slot is in good condition and you have a good "screw holding" screwdriver, you should be able to retrieve that screw easily.
 

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