Distributor bolt on 1976 500

[Sandy Partridge #18390]

I was attempting to set the timing this morning, but could not get to the bolt to loosen the distributor.  Does anyone have any tips on how to get to it?  Thanks.

Sandy P. #18390

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

I was attempting to set the timing this morning, but could not get to the bolt to loosen the distributor.  Does anyone have any tips on how to get to it?  Thanks.

Sandy P. #18390

Sandy:

If it's the same as my 1973 500 CI engine, you need a special distributor wrench
(long L-shaped) to get at it since it sits underneith the distributor cap and it's
a tight fit to get to it.  A regular wrench won't do.

Mike

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Sandy,

I made my own by cutting an old Ring Spanner in half and welding an old Screw Driver to the end at rightangles.

Did the job then, and I have it for future jobs, and I have even used it for other jobs.

Bruce.

[35-709]

Believe you can buy the wrench you need like Mike described at any good auto parts store, Cadillacs weren't the only ones to need this type of wrench.  I bought one from good old JC Whitney many years ago when I was a young'un.   

[eam]

I was attempting to set the timing this morning, but could not get to the bolt to loosen the distributor.  Does anyone have any tips on how to get to it?  Thanks.

Sandy P. #18390

SANDY!  HERE'S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THAT HALF-INCH NUT TO TIME YOUR 76, 500.  I HAVE THE SAME 76, 500 ENGINE AND I HAVE BEEN TIMING THIS CAR SINCE 1976 WITH THE FOLLOWING TOOLS.  USE A 3/8 INCH DRIVE TOOL SET WITH A UNIVERSAL JOINT, A STANDARD 1/2 INCH SOCKET ONE AND 3/4 INCHES DEEP AND AN EXTENSION ABOUT 16 INCHES OR SO IN LENGTH WITH A RACHET WRENCH.  JUST GUIDE THE SOCKET ON TO THE 1/2 INCH NUT AND LOOSEN IT JUST ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO TURN IT WITH SOME DRAG.  THIS IS MUCH EASIER THAN THAT TOOL THE GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT WHICH I HAVE BUT I DO NOT USE ANYMORE BECAUSE TO LOOSEN THE NUT YOU ARE LIMITED AND HAVE TO REMOUNT IT BACK ON AND IT COULD GET TO BE A PAIN BECAUSE OF THE TIGHT SPOT YOU ARE WORKING IN.  GOOD LUCK!  EAM

[TJ Hopland]

Here is what they look like.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00999000000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Automotive+Specialty+Tools&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

1/2 and 9/16.  Covers most american motors made.  Most parts stores should stock them.  I have seen them for under $10.   IIRC a swivel socket also works on the caddy because the dizzy is high enough.  Chebbys need the wrench which is why you can still buy them.