Rounded off TFI module screw

[Shran]

I was in the process of replacing my TFI module today and got one screw out, but head on the other screw is rounded off and I can't get it out. I have the required tool but it's obviously not helping. I have tried supergluing it to the screw which didn't work...short of trying epoxy instead I can't think of another way to get it out. Anybody ever had this happen? What was your solution? ANY help is greatly appreciated...just need to get this sucker back on the road!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

sounds like you need to drill the head off.

 

[Ranger5.0]

yeah.....sounds like thats all ya got left. Try a left hand twist drill bit. YOu might get lucky and it will run the screw out when it starts to bite in. Ive used that trick a few times at work.

 

[dirtsquirt]

a little tool called an Easy out works wonders any hardware store/tool supply will have them

 

[CraigK]

If you have a Dremel tool with a thin wafer wheel, try grinding a slot into the head. If you can grind a decent groove/slot, you might be able to get it out with a slot screwdriver. It sounds like you are going to have to pull the distributor.

CraigK

 

[Shran]

Well crap, that's kinda what I was thinking too. The dremel sounds the easiest... I do NOT want to pull my distributor, but if I have to I spose I will. I may end up relocating the TFI once it's out. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[BlackBII]

I don't know how the hell your going to use a Drill or a Dremel without pulling the distribuor, unless you like to swear a lot!

I vote the easy out method, if you can find a small enough one...
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/img/tool_1018.jpg

I ran into a simliar problem, I used a dremel to cut the plastic around the screw the just busted it(TFI was bad anyway) I then got the screw out and threw it as far as I could.

 

[Shran]

Dude, yeah, lots of swearing required no matter what. I am currently cutting the plastic out with a router bit and my cordless dremel but I can only work for about 5 minutes before I get pissed and quit. Rear mount distributors are retarded.

 

[MAKG]

They really aren't that hard to reinstall.

Put it at TDC on #1, note which way the rotor is pointed (there are only two choices, so you only have to note front or back, left or right, etc.). Mark the dist body somehow, along a sightline or the base. Liquid Paper works well. Fine tune it when you get it back together and running.

It would have REALLY sucked had you gotten that last bolt out and then broke the connectors inside the distributor. I wouldn't consider working on this with it installed.

If you removed it off TDC, you'll have to static time it. Put the crank on 10 deg BTDC on the compression stroke (you'll need to either feel air coming out the #1 spark plug hole or remove a valve cover to be sure both valves are completely closed), pull the SPOUT, then turn the key on and install a timing light. Turn the dist until #1 fires. Then start the vehicle and fine tune it.