Alternator to Distributor cable - What size spanner wrench?

cabinfever · Post by **cabinfever** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 12:33 pm

The insulation on my alternator to alternator distributor cable is shot. I'm going to remove it and try to do a repair using heat shrink tape (unless someone has a better idea).

To remove the cable, the manual says to use a spanner wrench. I have a lot of tools, but not any spanner wrenches. Can someone help me with the size wrench I should buy (I don't want to buy a whole set)? Or, will I be able to turn the couplings with a channel-lock pliers?

Thanks

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 12:38 pm

Steve,
Any wrench that fits would be better than Channelocks
which will goober up your fittings.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 1:15 pm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAL-7502-Adjust ... SwDuJW109s
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-adjus ... 1792960389

Look for one of these guys Steve. Most MV vendors have 'em and Flea Bay is full of them. A good adjustable can be had for around 20 bucks.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 1:19 pm

The spanner referenced by original post is not the usual two flat faces wrench.

Here's a couple of links:
http://www.amazon.com/Williams-474-Adju ... B002FHNIXW

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-Adjustable-Ho ... B000RHSNQE

http://www.sears.com/es/us/shc/s/t_1015 ... rench.html

http://www.armstrongtools.com/wrenches/spanner

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 1:54 pm

I've had good luck with these, especially with cast mil-spec connectors:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/t ... at508k.php

Might want to soak it with PB Blaster if it hasn't been off in awhile. I've seen lots of cracked shells using channel locks on cast mil-spec connectors, especially when corroded.

cabinfever · Post by **cabinfever** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 6:47 pm

Thanks for all the responses and warnings to NOT use a channel-lock pliers.

I still have one of my original questions What size spanner wrench do I need to purchase. I have to believe the removal of this cable will be the ONLY need I'll ever have for a spanner wrench, so I might as well just get one.

Based on the links provided, it appears that a 3/4" to 2" adjustable spanner should work. Is that correct?

I suppose I could reach around my A1 heater or crawl under the A1 and measure the diameter of the connector with my caliper to figure out what size I need....but I'm lazy this time of year.

Anyone know off hand what the OD is of the cable connectors?

Post by **wesk** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 7:09 pm

Steve, About the only way any of us could guarantee we are telling you the correct size would be for one of us to do exactly what you are unwilling to do!

I can make it easier for you. Just take an adjustable crescent wrench out there and slip the jaws over the connector and measure the opening of the jaws!

cabinfever · Post by **cabinfever** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 7:13 pm

Not to beat a dead horse, but DeBella Parts sells a NOS spanner wrench for $20 bucks. It is described as "Spanner wrench used for removing cable from volt reg & gen" It's the 13th item down the list found at:

http://www.debellajeepparts.com/m38m38a ... aneous.htm

I assume this is what I need...right?

Post by **wesk** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 7:54 pm

Steve, Sooner or later you'll just have to get up, set your beer down and go out in the garage and measure the connector

cabinfever · Post by **cabinfever** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 8:09 pm

LOL! Wes, I had no idea you knew me so well!

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 9:10 pm

Beer? What beer.....

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 9:42 pm

I'm pretty sure the slip-joint spanners or cannon plug pliers can also open anything from a pony to a keg........just my 2 cents as I'm still a rookie

By the way....has anybody seen my front hub socket wrench?

Post by **wesk** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 11:28 pm

No worries Ron. I found it in the garage!

cabinfever · Post by **cabinfever** » Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:33 am

What this forum needs is a "Like" button.

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Sat Mar 12, 2016 7:56 am

The connectors to my voltage regulator and generator are hand tight only. Unless you are taking your jeep swimming underwater there is really no need to tighten the connections with a spanner wrench. Once the connector is loose, just a quarter turn or so, you should be able to spin them off by hand unless they are severely corroded and full of gunk. Try a channel lock and see if you can get things moving with a minimum of force. You might be surprised and not have to worry about finding a specialty wrench.