Is there a way to fix a stripped screw hole? It is one that screw holes that hold the distributor cap onto the distributor. The distributor plate is actually what is stripped.

(good catch...altenator...LOL)

[This message has been edited by johnyrottin (edited 12-22-2009).]

quote Originally posted by johnyrottin: Is there a way to fix a stripped screw? It is one that screws the distributor cap onto the alternator.

I know you mean distributor. I had the same problem - got a different distributor.

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World of Wheels Winners
My 3.4L S/C 87 GT
& Super Duty 4 Indy #163

The screws that hold the distributor cap to the plate on the distributor are actually a type of sheet metal screw. There are no threads in the plate to hold the screw, but a drilled hole slightly smaller than the screw. Turning the screw too tight has stripped the hole and enlarged so that the screw does not have enought surface area to hold tight. I have sucessfully repaired the "stripped screw" syndrome by removing the distributor, carefully placing the plate on a smooth hard surfuce such as the flart part of an anvil or vise and tap the top of the hole area with a ball-peen hammer. This will flatten out the plate again and return the hole to it's orginal diameter. Check it with a screw before putting the distributor back into the vehicle.

quote Originally posted by johnyrottin: Is there a way to fix a stripped screw?

Wouldn't it be easier to replace the screw if it's stripped?

I had that happen and just got a screw that would fit through the hole and put a nylon insert nut on the underside.
It`s a little bit of a hassle, bt you don`t have to worry about the cap getting loose.
Mike
PS I had to say it, but you have more of a problem if you are trying to attach the dist cap to the alternator.

[This message has been edited by TXGOOD (edited 12-18-2009).]

Good ones guys...altenator...that was bafoonery. And next I will try to attach the rear sway bar to the AC condensor with poly bushings .

[This message has been edited by johnyrottin (edited 12-18-2009).]

wolfwolf's procedure worked for me. I found a nearly new distributor in a C4C Fiero but later found it to have a stripped screw hole. BTW, there were threads in one of the holes in the plate. How they got there, I don't know, whether tapped in or created by inserting the screw.

On the suggestion of Aerodonamic, I used a small center punch and peened several areas around the hole, causing it to close in at several points. I also flattened the raised area around the bottom of the hole. Then I reinstalled the cap and used the screw to cut new threads.

I tried the screw and nut process, but my screw was on the back side and couldn't be installed without loosening and turning the distributor or removing the distributor. Some have suggested using J&B Weld to attach the nut to the bottom of the plate.

That is a good idea...jb weld solves loads of probs. Should stop this from ever happening again as well. Cheers for that one!

I have the same issue, was thinking just a dab of JB weld my self... got any pictures of your final result there Johny?