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Distributor rotor screws

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  • 6670charger6
    6670charger6
    6670charger
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    Anyone have some good advice for removing the three torx screws that hold the distributor rotor in? Trying to replace my timing belt and can't get the rotor out of the distributor. Seems like they're torqued in at 500 ft/lbs. Already broke off one torx screwdriver in one of the screws, and felt like I was about to round out another one before I gave up and put everything back together.

    88 325ic, Cirrus Blau; 120,000 miles

    66 Dodge Charger, red/black, mileage unknown

    Appleton, WI

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    • JeffJ
      JeffJ
      Jeff
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      Soak them in freeze off,pb blaster, or deep creap.

      1976 530i e12
      1990 325ix e30
      1992 325i e36
      1995 740il e38
      2001 330xi e46
      ^More to come :)

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      • mkoeppM
        mkoeppM
        mkoepp
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        They will come out. Don't be afraid. If you do break one they are easy to drill out. Usually once the drill bites  the bolt it pushes the broken bolt through the back. I personally have never broken one but they do break loose with a "snap". 

        "Just give her"

        Mike

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        • mkoeppM
          mkoeppM
          mkoepp
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          6670charger said:

          Anyone have some good advice for removing the three torx screws that hold the distributor rotor in? Trying to replace my timing belt and can't get the rotor out of the distributor. Seems like they're torqued in at 500 ft/lbs. Already broke off one torx screwdriver in one of the screws, and felt like I was about to round out another one before I gave up and put everything back together.

          You need better torx bits. Craftsman works and they will replace it if you do break it if you buy the Professional grade.

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          • 6670charger6
            6670charger6
            6670charger
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            OK, well, it sounds like maybe between some better torx bits and possibly some WD40 or similar, I might have some success.  I guess the good thing here is that this time I can work on the distributor first without having to take anything else apart and waste two hours worth of time like I did the last time.

            88 325ic, Cirrus Blau; 120,000 miles

            66 Dodge Charger, red/black, mileage unknown

            Appleton, WI

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            • YoungCRY
              YoungCRY
              YoungCR
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              6670charger said:

              OK, well, it sounds like maybe between some better torx bits and possibly some WD40 or similar, I might have some success.  I guess the good thing here is that this time I can work on the distributor first without having to take anything else apart and waste two hours worth of time like I did the last time.

              This should do the trick like Mike said. With my craftsman hex wrenches I was able to get mine off, it will take some force the first time to crack them loose. If anything breaks, its all cheap to replace anyways.

              Chris Young
              BMWCCA #458972
              1986 528e/5  | 1994 530i/5 | 1995 540i/6 | 2013 X5 35d | 1998 C1500 Suburban | 1995 K2500 Suburban

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              • 6670charger6
                6670charger6
                6670charger
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                A coworker of mine said that if I soak them in WD40 for a bit first, and then use a short cheater bar with slow, steady pressure (along with a good quality torx bit), that they should break loose.  Think I'll try that on the two that don't have the bit broken off in them.  The other I'll probably have to drill from the way it sounds.

                88 325ic, Cirrus Blau; 120,000 miles

                66 Dodge Charger, red/black, mileage unknown

                Appleton, WI

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                • jc43089J
                  jc43089J
                  jc43089
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  Also try putting the torx bit in the screw and then tapping on it with a hammer before trying to turn it, sometimes the jarring will help.

                  2/94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
                  3/93 325i Coupe, Schwarz 2, Sketchy stance action, ebay turbo, 300k
                  '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped, sold.

                  '04 Toyota Sienna: 24V to 24V swap in progress

                  '05 Volvo V70R, 6spd.  200k
                  '85 Toyota LandCruiser: Lifted, gas hog. 205k
                  '99 Nissan Maxima: 5spd, Rusty but trusty winter beater. 252k RIP.

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                  • 6670charger6
                    6670charger6
                    6670charger
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    jc43089 said:

                    Also try putting the torx bit in the screw and then tapping on it with a hammer before trying to turn it, sometimes the jarring will help.

                     Yep.  Will try that too.  Plan on working on the distributor tomorrow.  If all goes well, and doesn't take too long, I may delve into the rest of the project too.

                    88 325ic, Cirrus Blau; 120,000 miles

                    66 Dodge Charger, red/black, mileage unknown

                    Appleton, WI

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