So my car's been running like sh*t lately, so today I took off my distributor cap. Inside the cap looks brand new, and my wires look really good too. However, the white tip of my rotor button is charred and burnt looking? Now I just can't figure out how to take it off? I thought it just pops off, but it doesn't want to budge.....help!

 

theres a little retaining screw on the back side/shaft of the rotor.. make sure you press in hard so the screwdriver doesn't slip out and strip the screw...

 

Crank the motor til you see the screw on the side "path" of the leak cover.

-Rod

 

Ok. Found the screw. That thing is in there TIGHT. I nearly stripped it. I'm really afraid to try anymore. Will that whole assembly come off so I can reach it better?

 

you can take the distributor off the three bolts and electrical connection, but if you do make sure to set your ignition timing (it really wouldn't be that much easier to remove the screw that way, but you can try).

 

u have to use the right size of screwdriver to prevent it from stripping. u want the screwdriver to snugly fit the + head of the screw.
been there and i had to take the distributor off to force it out.

just take ur time.

 

Use a #3 phillips screwdriver if you can to help prevent from stripping the head.

Use a hammer and tap the end of the screwdriver to get it to seat deeper into the screw, then turn while pushing down real hard into the head of the screw.

Worst case (which might actually be the best way to go before you strip the screw any more), would be to remove the distributor as a whole.....only (3) 12mm bolts and a couple of wire harnesses.

 

Yup, just keep cranking it until the screw is out on the opening or do what I did, had someone push the car and the rotor will turn. Stop when you see it.

 

I plan on just removing the entire distributor.


[Modified by ebelp, 11:47 PM 9/6/2002]

 

As long as you have a timing light...I'd much rather just take the entire distributor out.

 

Timing light?! What if I don't have one? What are the risks?

 

It's ghetto but draw a line across the distributor mount and bracket with a big marker so that when you put it back togather you can line it back up. I've done it before when my timing light was on loan. It'll let you get the car running again. When you get a chance use a light to set your timing where you want it.

 

Isn't there only one way the distributor will go back on?

 

tell me the results i have to do the same
i striped the scre

 

PROBLEM OF BEING UNABLE TO REMOVE RORTOR BUTTON SOLVED FINALLY

Many people including me have this problem. Many distributor buttons do not have a set screw and are trying to find out how to remove the button. It is stuck on there and has become a big problem with many resorting to entirely new distributors or cutting off the button.

Well I finally found the solution! For the buttons that have no set screw, you will find that that is a good thing and you do not have to mess with getting that set screw like on the old versions out at all. It is not there.

What you have is a small retaining clip in the center of the button. Just outside that center part of the button is a tiny hole on the face of the button. I used the tip of a test light probe (or ice pick or whatever is small enough and also sturdy) to push into that tiny hole and release the button from its shaft. What had me confused for hours was solved in seconds. The button will slide right off the shaft without and difficulty. You just have to use this retaining clip release access hole. It is so small it is hard to see

 

I replaced the stupid screw with a M8 bolt .

 

M8 bolt? I replaced mine with a stainless steel M5 socket head button head bolt and lock washer. Easier to take off with an Allen key.

 

used a grinding wheel to deep 6 it.shoved on a new rotor. problem solved.
who needs a screw? like where's it going to go man?
has worked fine for years. 8)

 

If its not the spring clip style rotor that pushes on then you deff need to put a screw or bolt, the rotors are well known for coming loose and causing damage.