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Old 09-26-2020, 10:27 AM   #1
Bob Bidonde
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Default Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

Removal of the distributor also necessitates the removal of Head Nut 8 that secures the armored ignition cable clamp. A consequence of loosening / removing Nut 8 is coolant leakage into Cylinders 3 & 4. Make this simple modification to the cable clamp, and the risk of leakage goes away.
> Drain one gallon of coolant;
> Remove Head Nut 8 to release the cable clamp;
> Reinstall the head nut and torque to 55 ft-lbs for a stock head and 65 ft-lbs for a hi-compression head. The stud should protrude out of the nut enough to hold the clamp plus a jam nut;
> Replenish the coolant;

> Remove the clamp from the cable and cut the round end of the clamp as shown. Prime & paint the cut edge so it doesn't rust;
> Buy a 7/16-20 Jam Nut that is much thinner than a stock nut;
> Clamp the ignition cable using the modified clamp and the jam nut. Hence forth, only remove the jam nut to takeout the distributor.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 190A Popout Cable Clamp Mod 331KB.jpg (58.5 KB, 118 views)
File Type: jpg 190A Popout Cable Clamp Mod 305KB.jpg (57.8 KB, 109 views)
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Old 09-26-2020, 11:14 AM   #2
katy
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

Alternately, just throw the clip away, nowadays it's not really needed anyways.
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Old 09-26-2020, 09:36 PM   #3
1930-Pickup
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Alternately, just throw the clip away, nowadays it's not really needed anyways.
I tried that, but the distributor advance rod kept dragging on the armored ignition cable.
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Old 09-26-2020, 01:21 PM   #4
jm29henry
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

Katy , that would make a purist sweat (lol)
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Old 09-26-2020, 07:02 PM   #5
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

Thats a good idea and it looks nice.
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Old 09-26-2020, 07:52 PM   #6
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Taking that clamp off completely looks even better.
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Old 09-26-2020, 09:39 PM   #7
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde View Post
(...install a jam nut...)
I did that too, the same as what Bob recommends. Works and looks good.
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Old 09-26-2020, 11:14 PM   #8
Tom Endy
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

If you take the clamp off, replace it with a spacer the same thickness or replace the extra long stud with a shorter one, otherwise you can bottom out on the threads and not have that head bolt tight and you will blow a head gasket in that area.

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Old 09-27-2020, 09:26 AM   #9
Bob-A
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Thumbs up Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

I kind'a did the opposite of what Bob Bidonde did and didn't have to remove the clamp either. I cut a portion off the top of the clamp just enough so the ignition cable kind'a, sort'a "clips" into the clamp.


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Old 09-29-2020, 10:24 AM   #10
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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I kind'a did the opposite of what Bob Bidonde did and didn't have to remove the clamp either. I cut a portion off the top of the clamp just enough so the ignition cable kind'a, sort'a "clips" into the clamp.


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This is interesting. Can you post a picture or two?
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Old 09-27-2020, 10:43 AM   #11
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde View Post
Removal of the distributor also necessitates the removal of Head Nut 8 that secures the armored ignition cable clamp. A consequence of loosening / removing Nut 8 is coolant leakage into Cylinders 3 & 4. Make this simple modification to the cable clamp, and the risk of leakage goes away.
> Drain one gallon of coolant;
> Remove Head Nut 8 to release the cable clamp;
> Reinstall the head nut and torque to 55 ft-lbs for a stock head and 65 ft-lbs for a hi-compression head. The stud should protrude out of the nut enough to hold the clamp plus a jam nut;
> Replenish the coolant;

> Remove the clamp from the cable and cut the round end of the clamp as shown. Prime & paint the cut edge so it doesn't rust;
> Buy a 7/16-20 Jam Nut that is much thinner than a stock nut;
> Clamp the ignition cable using the modified clamp and the jam nut. Hence forth, only remove the jam nut to takeout the distributor.

Where would I look for a jam nut like this?


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Old 09-28-2020, 05:23 AM   #12
Bruce of MN
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Where would I look for a jam nut like this?


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https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/0169548

1330 Courtland Road NE
Roanoke, VA
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Old 09-29-2020, 05:07 AM   #13
shew01
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/0169548

1330 Courtland Road NE
Roanoke, VA
Thanks! I plan to stop by there today. Draining the radiator is a messy pain.
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Old 09-29-2020, 05:56 AM   #14
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

If they have to order it, ask what the freight charges will be; if high, see what they can do to reduce.
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Old 09-29-2020, 04:36 PM   #15
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/0169548

1330 Courtland Road NE
Roanoke, VA

Thanks again. Fastenal didn’t have them in stock, but they ordered me a couple. They should be in on Thursday.


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Old 10-01-2020, 07:54 PM   #16
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Thanks again. Fastenal didn’t have them in stock, but they ordered me a couple. They should be in on Thursday.


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I think I got mine at Home Depot or Ace Hardware.
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Old 10-02-2020, 04:04 AM   #17
shew01
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Default Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Thanks again. Fastenal didn’t have them in stock, but they ordered me a couple. They should be in on Thursday.


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The jam nuts came in. It fits like a champ. Thanks, Bob and Bruce, for posting.


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Old 09-28-2020, 05:52 AM   #18
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

OK I am puzzled on this. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times over the years we have removed the distributor by draining the coolant, removing the stud nut and the clamp, and then removing the distributor and cable. Then upon re-assembly, I retightened (torqued) that nut and refilled with coolant. I/we have not had any issues doing it the correct way, and this task is done so infrequently.

So it begs the question for me, why does this clamp modification need to be done? Maybe a better way of asking this is, why would the cable or distributor need to be removed outside of a garage environment when a drain catch bucket is normally available??

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Old 09-28-2020, 08:19 AM   #19
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

Hi Brent,
The clamp mod is beneficial as a roadside fix to those who opt to install a spare distributor rather than to replace the points, the condenser or fiddle with a broken wire. Replacing the distributor is a common practice because it is faster and easier. I really think you know this.
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Old 09-28-2020, 12:00 PM   #20
Tom Endy
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Default Re: Distributor Removal Tip Re Ignition Cable Clamp

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Hi Brent,
The clamp mod is beneficial as a roadside fix to those who opt to install a spare distributor rather than to replace the points, the condenser or fiddle with a broken wire. Replacing the distributor is a common practice because it is faster and easier. I really think you know this.

There have been several times during a tour that I was able to get a stalled car back on the road by installing my spare distributor and bypass cable. The bypass cable connects direct from the coil to the distributor.

When a car pulls to the side of the road with loss of ignition the fault can be a number of things, the wire going to the ignition switch from the coil, the ignition switch, the pop-out cable. The lower plate in the distributor, the wire connecting the upper plate and the lower plate, the points, the condenser.

It is much simpler to just replace the distributor and bypass the rest of the ignition to get the car running again.

I also witnessed a roadside distributor replacement where when the #8 head bolt nut was removed it dumped water into the pan.

I advocate removing the clamp and installing a standard length stud in the #8 position.

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