Distributor Wrench

[DouglasBeale]

Do I need to order the distributor wrench to do the timing on my '86 350, or can I get in there with a regular wrench? I took all emissions stuff off so I have some extra room???

[Rapid Roy]

I have been able to get to mine with a boxed end wrench but it is a very tight space. You can try to see if it will work for you then maybe need the dist wrench.

[DouglasBeale]

Yeeeah..., I'm going to have to get out there. Darn cold today, wind, and rain. I don't even want to work on it anymore this season, but the snow's comming soon, and my wife doesn't complain about the expenditures, but she expects snow removal in return. I guess I got to cowboy up and drag myself out there.

[Henry]

Hi Doug:
My 76 C-20 has practically nothing in the way of emissions equip and the dist bolt is still very hard to get to...I would go get the special wrench. It is worth it...especially when setting the timing. I bought a great one many years ago at Autozone that is a two-piece design that separates and you can put a ratchet on it as well...Snap-On brand, I recall.
Regards,
Henry

[VileZambonie]

This is my favorite one which is probably the same one Henry has too I'm guessing

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KTI-3-8-Drive-Distributor-Wrench-KTI70600/332160747294?epid=1123742455&hash=item4d5652c71e:rk:1:pf:0

[DouglasBeale]

Thanks guys. I'm going to go ahead and order one.

[86chevytrk]

I bought a two piece one as well. I found it in the value tool bin at my local hardware store. I think I spent $9.99 for it. I does the job.

[Captkaos]

YEARS ago, we just took a long box end and heated it up...  Still have it somewhere

[Jason S]

Along the same lines as Captkaos - Took a cheap box/open end wrench and cut the ends off the center section.  Then welded the ends to square tubing with an 'L' handle to yield a box end and an open end wrench.

[Da67goatman]

I use a stubby box end 9/16" and have been able to adjust all of mine through the years

[Stewart G Griffin]

A flex head wrench like this has been working for me:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GearWrench-14-mm-Flex-Head-Combination-Ratcheting-Wrench-9914/202738068

A shorter 14mm, or 9/16th also could work.

It's still a pain, so i'm going to order the special wrench. 

This is one area that i think ford, Buick and who ever else that put the distributor up front got it right.   On the other hand, you're not adjusting timing everyday.