Sometimes, it is necessary. I have the "normal" distributor wrenches (1/2 and 9/16) But like Dan said, the slant uses a 7/16 bolt. I could not find the wrench he listed, at the time I needed one.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Haven't seen one of those wrenches in years. What a nice piece of nostalgia. Used to be a good mechanic had a bunch of those with different bends in them hanging right there on the bench.

I did manage to get a wrench on mine with the distributor in place, but that was when I was young and limber. Now I have the claw hold down, and it is not an issue.

If you must remove your distributor, here is my advice:

Mark each spark plug wire with its correct cylinder number. YOu can buy nice little plastic clip-ons for this, or use tape. Then get the cap and wires out of the way. Make a clear mark on the fender or engine where the rotor points, and then pull the distributor with the cap completely out of your way. Tighten the underneath bolt, or what ever service it needs, and reinstall with the rotor pointing back towards your mark. It must be exactly the same with the distributor all the way down and in place. If not, pull it out and try again.

When you put the cap on, and snap the wires back in place on the plugs, it should be in the same time as when you took it off.

Sam

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This thread was funny to read through. Guys knocking the wrench and they have no idea what bolt Dan is referring to. They think its the top distributor bolt lol

It is the top bolt, upside-down but still on top Sorry just couldn't resist.

For the record, I don't mind pulling the distributor to adjust that bolt.

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'66 Dodge Dart

Anyone have a pic of the newer style distributor clamp? And what years to check?

Sounds like I need to keep an eye on Pull a Part!

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'72 Duster 198 stock cam, 3:23's Hookers on jack stands for 8 years in the driveway
'79 Maxivan 360 Offy Qjet Comp RV cam/rusting in the driveway.
93 D350 160HP Cummins Auto Dually Clubcab needs a injector pump
2005 Golden Couch Buick