Alternator to Distributor cable - What size spanner wrench?

Discussion topics on Willys Overland M series vehicles
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cabinfever
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Post by cabinfever »

skyjeep50 wrote: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.
Thanks, skyjeep50, but too late. I already ordered the $20 spanner from DeBella. I;ll try using using my "Armstrong hand wrench" first and let you know if it works. Since my heater is more-or-less over the cable, it;s kinda difficult to reach down there to get a grip....especially now when it's off the ground on jack stands for the winter.
Steve Stark - 1955 M38A1 MD #85388

Member - MVPA #35153
Member - Red Bull Historic Military Vehicle Association
skyjeep50
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Post by skyjeep50 »

Tip: As you unscrew the fitting, pull out on the cable so it will unscrew easily without having to pull apart the plug and socket. After disassembly, clean the threads up and they will go back together with just a spin from your fingers. These are not tight threaded connectors. Same tip - push in on the plug so the connector is just "freewheeling" - not pushing the plug together. You can also use a little dielectric grease on the plug to prevent corrosion.
1951 M38
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cabinfever
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Post by cabinfever »

Thanks for the tip! Maybe I should have used the same method on my spark plug cables. I evidently striped the brass nut on one of them when attempting to screw it back onto the distributor.
Steve Stark - 1955 M38A1 MD #85388

Member - MVPA #35153
Member - Red Bull Historic Military Vehicle Association
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