Distributor Lower Nut Rounded, Help!

[number2301 1 1 Cars]

I was trying to set my ignition advance so undid the top distributor nut but the lower has rounded completely.

 

I can't seem to get enough swing to knock a smaller socket on, and tried a little heat (from a very small pocket torch) but that didn't do any good either.

 

Any tips? I'm at a loss as to what to do with the limited access to the nut.

[alync406 4]

You can get a set of twist sockets,which have grooves on them to tighten onto things which are rounded off.Would be the right job to open it.

[timb1046 1]

can you get mole grips on it? grip it tight and turn. heat isnt going to help in this case realy as its stuck in so heating it will make it expand and therefore be less likley to budge.

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

If you take the battery out can you then get to knock a socket on? Otherwise as alync says some nut removers are what you want, I have some if you want to come and try.

[miamichris 9]

thank f**k i'm not the only one this has happened to!! (happened on my xs though)

 

I took the battery out and managed to get it eventualy with vise grips. A good tip is to try using a 6 sided socket instead of a multipoint one as they don't grip a rounded nut very well, they just result in more swearing

[kyepan 291]

a few good tips.

 

soak it in pentrating oil.

 

leave it for a day

 

heat it with a blow torch, gently.

 

then get a small sharp chisel and tap it round by cutting a nick into one face, just get some purchase and keep working it, eventually it will start to move, then you will be able to get it off.

[number2301 1 1 Cars]

Cheers for the tips guys, I'll give it a go once I've sourced a new nut/the rain packs in.