distributor removal on 1962 Merc 500

[Anonymous]

I just decided to check the distributor on a 1962 Merc 500. The rear bolt (one of four) on the starboard side of the distributor gives very little space to remove with a standard Craftsmen 7/16 open end wrench. I’m wondering what the trick is to removing it.

Thanks,
Jim

[Anonymous]

take the adjustment plate off. no need to mess with the adjustments. then IF needed get a cheep 12 point wrench and grind it to fit.

[jeff-register]

Jim,
I must be lucky as those were easy for me. It’s the very top three as one of them is hard. If you get into the top drive assembly the manual lies. There are two bearings in it. The factory sold the combo housing & bearing as a part number. It’s the same part number as the top bearing to make it easy,
30-20066 & replace with SKF-R8-2Z motion industrys @ $31.09 each. The mag bearings check Marine engine. Double check on the top of your distributer for a part number.

[billw]

It’s been a long time but an older than dirt Mercury tech rep once introduced me to the wonderful world of 1/4" drive sockets, extensions and universal joints. Sometimes on those tough-to-get-at distributors, you can come down from the top with a 1/4" flex joint, extension and thin wall 7/16".

Long live American manufacturing!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help, Jeff. It’s not a priority (it’s missing the lower unit) but I was going to check the top end to see if I could get it to run.

Jim

PS……let me know when you have pics and measurements of the gaskets you need

[jeff-register]

Jim,
i’m headed that way after Kathy is through with me cleaning out the office. I have an overflow of file drawers full of my service calls before I shut my business down. After around a year someone has worked on them so I have no liability any more.
Next I need to put the new impeller in the 10hp. I’ll get some photos of it running & pumping water, then tear the gears down & need the clam shell gasket. My scanner will do a good job. I need a few weeks to get caught up! I haven’t forgot.
Best, Jeff

[Anonymous]

No problem, Jeff…..I did get the distributor off of the Merc 500 by grinding down a 7/16 boxed end wrench. There are many variations (I think) of what’s just above the 4 bolts on Mercury distributors. Mine has pretty close quarters.

Jim

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