DIY: Improvised 10mm distributor wrench
 

When replacing the distributor recently on my 2002 Blazer 4.3, I had a bit of difficulty loosening the 10mm hold-down bolt. The only distributor wrenches I had available were the standard 1/2 and 9/16 inch sizes. The u-joint swivel adapter for my 3/8 inch socket set would not fit under the distributor with a socket on it. Here is my DIY solution:

Place the box end of a 10mm combination wrench on the head of the bolt. Put a long extension (6 inches or so) on a 3/8 inch ratchet. Put the square end of the extension into the other end (open end side) of the 10mm wrench. This happens to fit perfectly...

The 3 items should make 3 sides of a square (more or less). Use the leverage of the ratchet to turn the wrench and break the bolt loose. It works just like a distributor wrench. The bolt came out the rest of the way by hand.

Reverse the procedure to tighten the bolt down.

peace

I used a crows foot on mine to get the bolt loose. Or you could take an old 10MM wrench and heat it up and bend it to the correct angle. Nothing like homemade tools.

or you could do what i did to adjust it.


flex head GearWrench.


worked real nice. :)

Dirth of proper tools
 

I too had both 1/2" and 9/16" Distrubtor and needed a 10mm for my Blazer. I checked every auto parts store, Craftsman, Snap-On and am still looking every where I see tools, (Harbor Freight!) Maybe some day someone will see the need. If I had a welder, I would hack off the 9/16" box and weld on the 10mm ratchet box! That would be ideal. Perhaps I should seek the welding skill :icon_doh: