The Ford Barn

Coach Mike · 05-21-2017, 07:55 PM

I'm trying to losen the distributor cam screw and set the timing but the screw will not lose and is beginning to strip. I've got it soaking in WD40 but figured I would ask if anyone has experienced this before?

redmodelt · 05-21-2017, 08:09 PM

WD-40 is NOT a penetrating oil it a lubrication. Get the biggest screw driver that will fit in the slot, grind the tip so the sides that fit in the slot are flat. If it does not have the flats under the handle for a wrench grab with vice grips, push down and turn to the left.

kd4lok · 05-21-2017, 08:16 PM

For better penetrating, I would use PB Blaster or a mixture of acetone and ATF instead of the WD-40.

Coach Mike · 05-21-2017, 08:27 PM

Is what I'm describing somewhat common?

Dick Steinkamp · 05-21-2017, 08:36 PM

WD40 is actually a pretty good product for loosening rusted fasteners and a pretty good lubricant also. Click on "Functions" at their web site...

https://wd40.com/uses-tips

Everyone has their favorites for both purposes, however.

I've had good luck on stuck slotted screws with a flat blade screwdriver bit and a 1/4" ratchet loaded with the socket to fit the bit.

Tom Wesenberg · 05-21-2017, 08:42 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I'd try an impact screwdriver.

Some of the repro screws I've had in the past didn't fit correctly.

Coach Mike · 05-21-2017, 09:25 PM

Great advice Dick Steinkamp!! I tried your advice using a flathead bit in a socket and IT WORKED!

Thanks again!

Dick Steinkamp · 05-21-2017, 09:40 PM

Thanks. Redmodel T had essentially the same idea. Just some way to get more leverage than just a regular screw driver.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 05-21-2017, 09:48 PM

Coach,
TOO bad you're not closer, I have 2 new spare screws in the living room & a new distributor body. They're conversation pieces, along with the X-Ray of my new knee parts.
I sold the 5 tires & wheels that were on display! "MEN DECORATING"!!!!---(SMILE)
Bill Artist

Coach Mike · 05-22-2017, 11:31 AM

Thanks for the offer Bill! All of this is certainly a learning experience and something that will get passed along to the next generation!

05-21-2017, 07:55 PM	#1
Coach Mike Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Feeding Hills, MA Posts: 12	Stripped Distributor Cam Screw I'm trying to losen the distributor cam screw and set the timing but the screw will not lose and is beginning to strip. I've got it soaking in WD40 but figured I would ask if anyone has experienced this before?

05-21-2017, 08:09 PM	#2
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,342	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw WD-40 is NOT a penetrating oil it a lubrication. Get the biggest screw driver that will fit in the slot, grind the tip so the sides that fit in the slot are flat. If it does not have the flats under the handle for a wrench grab with vice grips, push down and turn to the left. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

05-21-2017, 08:16 PM	#3
kd4lok Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Central FL Posts: 72	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw For better penetrating, I would use PB Blaster or a mixture of acetone and ATF instead of the WD-40. __________________ Bob

05-21-2017, 08:27 PM	#4
Coach Mike Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Feeding Hills, MA Posts: 12	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw Is what I'm describing somewhat common?

05-21-2017, 08:36 PM	#5
Dick Steinkamp Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 1,163	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw WD40 is actually a pretty good product for loosening rusted fasteners and a pretty good lubricant also. Click on "Functions" at their web site... https://wd40.com/uses-tips Everyone has their favorites for both purposes, however. I've had good luck on stuck slotted screws with a flat blade screwdriver bit and a 1/4" ratchet loaded with the socket to fit the bit. __________________ All steel from pedal to wheel Last edited by Dick Steinkamp; 05-21-2017 at 08:59 PM.

05-21-2017, 08:42 PM	#6
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I'd try an impact screwdriver. Some of the repro screws I've had in the past didn't fit correctly.

05-21-2017, 09:25 PM	#7
Coach Mike Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Feeding Hills, MA Posts: 12	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw Great advice Dick Steinkamp!! I tried your advice using a flathead bit in a socket and IT WORKED! Thanks again!

05-21-2017, 09:40 PM	#8
Dick Steinkamp Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 1,163	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw Thanks. Redmodel T had essentially the same idea. Just some way to get more leverage than just a regular screw driver. __________________ All steel from pedal to wheel

05-21-2017, 09:48 PM	#9
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw Coach, TOO bad you're not closer, I have 2 new spare screws in the living room & a new distributor body. They're conversation pieces, along with the X-Ray of my new knee parts. I sold the 5 tires & wheels that were on display! "MEN DECORATING"!!!!---(SMILE) Bill Artist __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

05-22-2017, 11:31 AM	#10
Coach Mike Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Feeding Hills, MA Posts: 12	Re: Stripped Distributor Cam Screw Thanks for the offer Bill! All of this is certainly a learning experience and something that will get passed along to the next generation!