I'm having trouble adjusting the timing on my LO3. The problem is that I can't get any wrench or combination of tools onto the distributor hold-down bolt! There is too much crap in the way! How do you guys loosen that bolt? Thanks.

 

1/4" drive ratchet 2 3"extensions and shallow 9/16 socket since I have done it many of times now i know exactly where the bolt is and dont even need a light:lala:

 

How can I use a 1/4" drive and extensions when the bolt sits mostly under the body of the distributor? I'm thinking I'd need some kind of box end wrench but thats assuming I can get to it through all the wires and ****.

 

Go to your local partz store and spend the 5.99 on a cheap dist. wrench.(less head-ache)

Peace

 

A crow's foot wrench sure works well. In our case we need special tools to change the distributor/timing.

 

I use a 9/16" universal joint socket. Not a universal joint adapter on a 9/16" socket. This is a one-piece deal, so it's short enough to fit under the distributor. Works great.

 

Well the next time I do it I'll take a picture of it hell I'll be doing it in an hour or so lets see if the digital camera will show the picture
and I bet you never even tried it did you did you??:lala:

 

IF there is too much stuff in the way take the "stuff" off, it is just slowin you down, I can get to mine with an open end wrench no prob, Im guessin the stuff is emisions, which I opted no to run, sorry if you have those stupid tests, which by the way I think for the third gen's it should be optional

 

Yeah, emissions crap and heater hoses mainly, oh and that g0d damned EGR valve! We just have to pass the sniffer test up here, no visual inspection, so most of the smog stuff will be going soon!

 

I have a dissy wrench, was cheap enough and I don't have to go looking for all those other parts when using universal joints and crow ft.'s!

 

I have a dissy wrench, mine came off easy
but I can't seem to tighten it tho.

 

lol... found an old wrench in my tool box, pulled out the dremmel and cut it in half. Now i just attack from the rear.

 

A ratchet extension, U-joint connector, and a crowfoot socket did the trick for me.

 

LOL an engine swap helped me out tremendously!

I can get right to it now with a 9/16" wrench. Right in plain view.

But seriously, that 305 hold down is tremendously hard to get to.
I remember losing a socket trying to get to it.
I remember also using two swivel adapters and two 3" extensions.
That worked, and it was a pain in the you-know-what.
I cursed GM for that design, and discovered they had a special distributor wrench for it too. Blast it!