Tuneman1984

Hi all,

I'm trying to replace the ignition coil that died on my Civic. I got the top retaining screw out but the bottom one is completely stuck. One try with my offset screwdriver and I completely tore into the head it was so soft. Now it's stuck there and very inaccessible as the upper rad hose is in the way. Any ideas as to how to get this screw out? Every video/tutorial I've looked at shows what to do in a garage with miles of space, not less than an inch or so of clearance like I have.

The head of the screw has not broken off but any Phillips head will just spin as there's nothing to grip on it anymore. I tried a screw extractor using my flex attachment for the cordless screwdriver but the bit doesn't fit in it. Help! I don't want to have to replace the whole distributor just because of one stupid screw.

Also the screws holding the electrical connectors are badly rusted and not moving at all but I don't want to go drilling around there and mess up a wire.

Joshka89

JB weld on a hex nut, don't spill it onto the mount cuz then you'll just weld it all together.
Another way is to put some jb weld in a sacrificial socket and let that set, then tiwst it off

Tuneman1984

I'm going to try putting a hex nut on it - never even thought of that. The screws have a round head so a socket won't help me, but if I can get the nut to set then I can easily get a box end wrench on it. Thanks!

Tuneman1984

So after leaving it to cure all day I just went out to try and get the screws out and the nuts just fell right off. Unless anyone else has other ideas for how to get these screws to budge given the limited space to work with I think I'm just going to have to get a new distributor and be done with it...these screws are never coming out. I can't get any kind of drill bit in there because no drill will even fit; I'd be drilling at an angle.

SiWannabe

Take the distributor off the car. Get an impact driver... it's a metal handle that when you hit it, it turns in the way it is set. Usually has a 3/8 drive on it like a wratchet. Get the proper size phillips head adapter, and give her a tap with a good sized hammer. Wish I'd seen this post earlier. It's the only way I've ever been able to get them out.

Tuneman1984

Thanks so much. I was hoping to be able to avoid having to take the dist out as I'm paranoid about screwing up the ignition timing, but it sounds like that's going to be the best way to do since there isn't really a solution leaving it in.

ReaperMan

make a set mark with a razor blade and hit it with a hammer it will leave a fine detailed impression wear goggles as it can brake i have done it like this and its always perfect when put together

Tuneman1984

Alright so now I'm trying to take the distributor out and I can't get the wiring harnesses undone. I know from other threads that there's a metal locking tab underneath them (and I can see it) but what I can't figure out is which direction to move the harnesses or what to do. Seems like no matter which direction I trying to move they won't budge. I can see a tiny inaccessible screw on the bracket and if you tell me I've gotta remove that I think I'm going to cry....