Distributer Cap Replacement

[Chapol]

Is there a trick to replacing the distributer cap on a '90 Camry V-6 LE? I can only get to one of the three screws that hold it on...how do I reach the "hidden" screws? I just replaced the wires and plugs and gave up on the distrib. cap.

[Chapol]

Come on, guys! Somebody out there has to have some tips on replacing the distributer cap. What gives???

[Brian R.]

Sorry, but I would need it in front of me or a photo to see the problem. I have never had a problem removing a distributor cap, but there again, I have never removed a distributor cap from a '90 Camry V6.

[camrycurt]

Originally Posted by Chapol

Come on, guys! Somebody out there has to have some tips on replacing the distributer cap. What gives???

I replaced the cap on my '90 V6 about a year ago and did have a little trouble with that hidden screw but managed to cuss and swear my way through it. I'm certainly no mechanic so maybe someone else here can offer you the "real" way to do it.

I did the whole thing blind and was able to reach it with a 6" extension socket. I used a 1/4" socket because it was so tight, but you can reach under the cap with your fingers and feel where the screw head is. Then I used just my fingers and the extension to seat the socket on the screw so I knew it was seated firmly, then just attached the socket wrench to the extension and she came out no problem. I had also removed the big rubber air hose that comes off the top of the air filter to get more clearance, but you've probably already done that.

Getting that screw back in was a real show. I seated the new cap on and started the other two screws so I knew it was positioned correctly, and then felt with one hand for the screw hole and tried to balance the screw in the socket and guide it into the hole with the other hand. It took me a number of tries and a severe amount of profanity to get it in, but it finally caught. Then I snugged it up finger tight and then put the socket on and tightened. And, if you can believe it, as I tightened the new screw head broke off of the screw. Well, I just left it broken off like that and so far have noticed no ill effects from only having two screws holding the cap on. It's a pretty snug fit on there.

So just be patient and feel around and you'll have no problem. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

Curt

[Mike Gerber]

Chapol,

For real tight and impossible to see applications like this, when reinstalling a screw and if it is a hex head, I put some electrical tape inside the socket until I can jam the hex head of the screw in to the socket and it will hold snugly. I then use the socket with the screw in it and the extension as as handle to start the screw in the threaded hole. Once it starts, tighten it by hand to make sure you are not cross threading it. Hope this helps a bit.

Mike

[camrycurt]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

For real tight and impossible to see applications like this, when reinstalling a screw and if it is a hex head, I put some electrical tape inside the socket until I can jam the hex head of the screw in to the socket and it will hold snugly.

Mike,

What a great tip about using the tape! I should have thought of that on my own. Wow, that's going to make my life A LOT easier!

Thanks!
Curt

[Mike Gerber]

Curt,

You're welcome.

As an adendum, they make locking screwdrivers for both slotted and phillips drive screws that also come in vary handy. I received my slotted locking one as a hand-me-down from an uncle who passed away 27 years ago. I can't tell you where to get one of those. I bought one for phillips drive screws a few years ago at Sears (Craftaman) for around $8.

Mike

[Chapol]

Thanks, Mike/Curt. Great tips! Maybe I'll give it another try. I did replace the cap years ago, and couldn't remember how I got the screws out and back in. I do recall having something to do with scotch tape and a lot of cursing. The electric tape should help a lot, along with 1/4 inch sockets.

You're right, removing the large rubber duct is a must, but that wasn't easy to remove either. I pulled the whole air cleaner aside when I changed the wires.

[Chapol]

PS: Is this a super forum, or what!!!!

You guys saved me a lot of anguish!

[Chapol]

One more followup..and a tip! Under cool, clear fall skies, I decided to tackle the distributer replacement again. I used a 1/4 socket, as there is no room for a screw driver and finding the screw slots blind would be a real feat.

It helps to remove all the ignition wires from the distributer, and either label them or make a sketch for replacement.

To get the screws back in I decided to try peanut butter crammed into the socket to hold the screw in place. But no PB found in the house, so I used plumbers putty, and it worked like a charm. I'd highly recommend this method.

[calvic]

Originally Posted by Chapol

To get the screws back in I decided to try peanut butter crammed into the socket to hold the screw in place.

Thats funny! I'm an aircraft mech. and we use a product called
Fuel Lube. Its thick and sticky so we call it peanut butter, it works
great for holding washers and small screws. I never thought of using
real p-nut butter. I hope the rats and mice don't get a whiff of your distributor.

JJ