I'm probably getting in over my head. I've tried removing the distributor cap but can't get it off. I have the three screws loose and when I try to lift it up, something binds on the back side (toward the engine). I thought it might just be the bundle of spark plug wire, but it seems to be something else. I'm afraid to force it off. I learned a long time ago that if a thing has to be forced it will probably break. How should I proceed? It's still raining.

Wow! It started. Though I couldn't get the distributor cap all the way off, I got it far enough that I could spray some electrical contact cleaner into the distributor. I put the cap back on, turned the ignition key and the engine started on the first turn. My next step is to replace the cap. Thanks to all.

I would still like advice on getting the cap all the way off.

I'm sorry, but I'm not intimately familiar with the V8's. You are wise not to force it though. You would be equally wise to find and buy a distributor cap and replace it as soon as possible. It looks as if we're in for a wet Fall.

Good luck with it.

lakeside, before attempting to remove the distributor cap you need to remove all the spark plug wires. Be sure to label them if they're not already marked with small rubber tags. Bosch distributor cap terminals are marked with the corresponding cylinder. If you replace the distributor cap best to replace the rotor too.

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Fred Hoelzle

I've decided to let my mechanic do the job. I've done most of my own easy repairs and replacing a distributor cap use to be a pretty easy but even removing spark plug wires can be challenge when there little clearance. Now that I have the car starting, I won't have to think about hiring a car transport service just to get the car to the garage. Thanks, again, for all your help. This forum is the best.