940 Distributor Screws - Tool

[Thejdizzler]

Hi everyone, I want to swap the distributor cap but I cannot get the screws undone. Haynes manual says access is limited but that is a bit like saying the sun is ‘quite hot!’ I have a pivoting screwdriver but that is still to bulky to get between the cap and firewall. What tool do I need? Thanks

[aardvarkash10]

[Ian21401]

Originally Posted by Thejdizzler

Hi everyone, I want to swap the distributor cap but I cannot get the screws undone. Haynes manual says access is limited but that is a bit like saying the sun is ‘quite hot!’ I have a pivoting screwdriver but that is still to bulky to get between the cap and firewall. What tool do I need? Thanks

First, do you have the appropriate “stubby” type screwdriver? Usually obtainable at factors, Halfords or even your local supermarket DIY section. I have a selection which are just short enough to “weedle” into the space.
Failing that,
Do you have a set of short hex drive bits for a screw driver set or similar? (Torx, hex, Phillips, Posi, flat etc.) If so, select the appropriate bit for the screw heads. Then select a standard combination spanner (open jaw at one end, ring at the other end.) to fit the hex drive part of the bit. I have some which are 10mm but also some which are only 6mm. Slip the bit onto the screw and press on the end of it with a finger to keep it in place then use the spanner on the hex drive part of the bit to turn it. I had to use this method just a couple of days ago when replacing two of the screws holding the wind deflector retaining plate whilst refurbishing my sunroof. It’s fiddly, but it works for me.

[globetrotter]

I use a 7mm flex head spanner, it's a doddle then

[TonyS9]

I thought it was 6 or 8mm but a simple spanner should do the job. Is a bit fiddly. If I have to touch mine again, it s going wasted spark lol.

[B10B]

8mm spanner, fiddle but not too hard. Just done all mine and had to take it all off again, see new rotor arm failure.

[MiniNinjaRob]

I cannot fathom why people think this is hard or why you would try using a screwdriver instead of a spanner which is the obvious tool to use.

Literally not a single problem doing this the first time I did it with a ratchet spanner. The only issue is that I’m short and it was a bit of a reach into the middle of the engine bay!!

[lynns hubby]

8mm 1/4" socket and ratchet.

[mhuk]

8mm on 1/4 ratchet.

We talking a out dizzy cap on rear of engine towarsa bulkhead ? Not hard just but tight.