Dist cap removal - tips?

[RS25.com]

Okay I'm going to replace my TEN YEAR OLD cap and rotor and noticed that things are pretty tight back there. Can anyone give me any tips?

Here's what I was thinking:

1. Use a sharpie and number the spark plug wires at the cap
2. Remove the IC coolant line that goes over the cap
3. Remove the cap & rotor.
4. If it still does not come out, remove those two relays on the firewall right above the cap.

Is that right? Or if I just unplug the wires can I slip it out somehow?

Less work would be better - thanks!

-James

 

[jwaller]

you will prob need to break the old rotor off from the dist as it's prob goin to be welded on there from the years....

 

[RS25.com]

Yeah, I saw the trick to it, using the hup cap tool.

But first, I'll need to get that cap outta there!

 

[Ian Turgeon]

you can do it with the ic line in.
(of couse, if anyone else is working on it, they are going to demand you do the heater hose line swap)

Its easy to figure out where the wires, go, but next time, it will make the job simple if you write on the cap.

Just scoot on up there with a pointy philips and get to work.

 

[InvisiBill]

Yup. The first time I did it, I still had the metal IC line back there. I loosened it up at the MAP bracket near the driver side valve cover so that the metal tube could shift a little. Then I was able to slide the cap out between the IC line and firewall... It's a billion times easier with rubber IC lines, that's for sure...

I did have to take that relay bracket off the firewall too. If you need them, I've got a couple more pics that I took at the same time...

 

[RS25.com]

No pics needed, you've answered all my questions. I'll get in there tomorrow night.

And then... heh... I am going to try and do the spark plugs!

 

[InvisiBill]

Spark plugs are a breeze once you get the hang of it. Go to AutoZone and get one of those Great Neck spark plug sockets with the swivel built in. I also use a couple extensions, long and short. Then go at them from the wheel wells. It's supposed to be easier if you take the inner fenders out, but I've never done it. I usually leave the wheels on even, though that will give you more room too.

I always seem to have a problem with one random plug. I work on it forever and it just won't come out. So I give up and go on to the next one. Come back to the other one, and it falls right out.