Burt wrote:
> "jim beam" <nospam@example.net> wrote
>
> > as recommended by others, remove the distributor. before doing so, mark
> > the casing relative to the head assembly so you preserve the timing on
> > reassembly!
> >
> > then, if you have an electric drill/driver, use a NEW bit to unscrew the
> > screw while applying good axial pressure so it doesn't strip.
>
> A drill can give you a lot of torque but the screw bit also functions
> as a stripper. Once you slip on a drill the screw is history.
>
> The solution is to use a long 1-foot screw driver with a hardened tip
> with an exact fit. Our hands have the ability to sense that the screw is
> about to strip, but a drill won't. The length of the screw driver will
> give you a lot of precision and leverage. You will have to balance
> your full weight on the screw driver. Don't tap or knock on the
> distributor.
>
>
> > if you're
> > doing it by hand, again, tool quality is paramount. cheap phillips
> > drivers are guaranteed to strip.
> >
> > i'm not sure if lubes will ease the thread in this case - it's got a
> > loctite compound on it. if worst comes to the worst, smash the old
> > rotor off so you can get at the screw head with small vice-grips.
> > guaranteed to work.

Wow. Thanks for all the replies. Just can't believe it's such a PITA to
get this little plastic piece off. I'm thinking I'll soak it with
penetrating fluid then get on top of it with BIGSCREWDRIVER and see
what happens.