Distributor points bolt stripped

[jon]

1976 BMW 2002 with a tii distributor.

While untightenning bolt to  adjust points the bolt felt stripped.  Bolt won't tighten or untighten.  If I get the bolt removed would it work to tap for the next bolt # and thread size?  What would the next larger bolt # and thread size be?  Has anyone found that i would be better off to replace the distributor? 

[jimk]

If you can get the point of a thin blade between the screw head and the points plate while the screw is backed out, it might get the screw out.  If the threads on the screw are stripped, only a different screw is needed.  If the plate is stripped, you would be best to find a different plate, not enlarge the screw because each new set of points might not have a large enough hole for the bigger screw.

[ray_]

Those screws have pretty big heads also. I bet you can grab is with a small pair of needle-nosed Vise-Grips.

 

@'76mintgrün'02  probably has a plate for you ?

[jon]

jimk and ray,

I like your ideas.  I fashioned a thin wedge to pry up the screw and unscrew.  I also have a short needle-nose and will give it a try.  Will let you guys know what worked when I go back at it tomorrow morning when it is cooler.  I looked up parts on Bosch and found that the screw is a M4x6.  Is that correct?

Ron 

[jimk]

You could also remove the points plate and work on the bench.

[John_in_VA]

Chris at Stone Racing Co. in Phila is a great resource for you - https://www.facebook.com/StoneRacingCo/

[jon]

All your inputs helped tremendously.  I got the screw out by using a very small screwdriver wedged under the screw where it sits next to the open slot. I then applied pressure on the wedge and unscrewed. The screws threads were damaged.  On one parts site I noticed that the screw holding the capacitor was the same as the points screw, so I switched the screws, adjusted the points and the 02 runs like a charm.  I am also ordering a new points plate and a couple screws to replace 44 year old worn parts.  

Thank you everyone, Ron

[John_in_VA]

18 minutes ago, jon said:

On one parts site I noticed that the screw holding the capacitor was the same as the points screw, so I switched the screws, adjusted the points and the 02 runs like a charm.  I am also ordering a new points plate and a couple screws to replace 44 year old worn parts.

 

I recall that one of the screws was a tad longer than the other & if swapped caused something to not work properly (points plate not allowed to move with longer screw?).

[stone02]

Hey,

   i am over in Northern Liberties.

i have a tote full of distributors. take yours

out and bring it over and we will just fix

it.

stone

215fivetwozerosix718

[MattL]

Chris is a hell of a good dude. 

[ray_]

14 minutes ago, MattL said:

Chris is a hell of a good dude. 

This!

 

Cheers,