Yep it's all the way back there, I can see it, sorta...
I don't have that special tool for the distributor nut and I do not want to buy one. What is another way to get at the bolt? I was thinking that I could probably fit a small ratchet and socket in there but what size is the bolt? 1/2"? 9/16"?
Help is appreciated, thanks

 

Use a 1/4 drive ratchet and either two 3" extensions or 6" extension. The bolt is 3/8" with a 9/16" head.

 

Try a 9/16"

 

I used a 9/16 wrench, open end fixed opposite end that can flex.

 

For $11 you can have the proper tool or you can learn new cuss words and spend an excessive amount of time and effort trying to tighten 1 bolt.
https://www.amazon.com/Performance-T...ributor+wrench

 

Harbor Freight probably has one for 5 bucks.

 

9/16" socket with a universal joint and extension (or 2) works just fine for me.

 

The dog-leg wrench is practically required for Chevy, but I've never used one on an Olds. HEI makes it a little tight but not bad.
Just 9/16" socket. Small cap dizzy I just use 1/2" drive and a long extension. With HEI use a short socket and a wobble. Assuming it's a normal 3/8" bolt. You never know what folks dig up to shove into a hole sometimes.

 

Short 9/16 flex socket & extension works best for me... You can also use a short socket with a universal flex, as previously stated, but the shorter you keep the socket setup the better...

 

Exactly what I use on my 77. I have the Chevy wrenches and they don't work as well.

 

You could probably use a 9/16 crows foot.

 

Wow, am I the only person who uses a regular 9/16 combination wrench for this?

 

It has been too long since I actually needed to adjust the timing on my 72 Cutlass. That might be because it hasn't been on the highway for about 10 years. It does have an HEI which is a lot bigger. On my 54 I use a 9/16 socket on a long extension. I have one of the cheap distributor wrenches but it won't work on the 54. Use what works for you.

 

Also I hate that the vacuum advance hose is so hard to get XD. The darn thing is right up on the firewall... *sigh* GM engineering at its finest.

 

If you know what you're doing (or just think about it real hard) you can re-clock the distributor base to give you more room for the vacuum advance unit. But if you do it wrong you'll totally hose which cylinder fires when.

 

The position of the distributor can be changed by moving all the wires over one spot either way and then retime the engine.

 

nope ,me too but i just looked at it again today and it is a clear shot for a socket and extension so from here on in you may be the only one.

 

I never had a problem using a regular 9/16" socket on a long extension.

- Eric

 

Nope i use one and have had no problem. No need to change what works.

 

eggxactly. thats what Id do. its been a while, but how tight is it? I had done some points->Large HEI conversions and dont recall it being all THAT bad....

 

x2

 

I never had a problem using the proper distributor wrench either.

 

Have you loosened the hold down bolt yet? Would the distributor rotate ? The Olds distributors always seem to almost seize in place over the years, can be a bugger to turn sometimes.

 

I didn't need to adjust my timing so I was spared of that trouble.