Can't get the "bleeping" fan strap off!!

[scottb]

I've searched the archives. I've sweated. I've sworn. I've begged. I've lubricated. That "bleeping" fan strap is not going to come out without me removing the distributor. I am not a happy camper.

The problem is that the strap ends have a wedge shape to them where the screw goes through one side and tightens into the other. I can pull the strap all the way to the point where the wedge hits the distributor (yes, I took the cap off), but I can't get it past the distributor. It won't go in the other direction either. My experience with messing with distributors is not good, so I'm *VERY* reluctant to pull the distributor.

Anyone have any ideas, please?

Thanks.

[Chuck Moreland]

Remove the distributor. It's no big deal.

[J Richard]

Pulling the distributor in a 911 is very simple, Just mark the location of the distributor housing with a sharp pencil or marker on the case and mark the location of the rotor as it disengages the drive as you pull it out.

Don't turn the engine while its out! Thats when you have a "bad experience"...

To reinstall, realign the rotor with the location you marked and insert the distributor back in, line up your marks on the distributor and the case and tighten it down. voila!

Honestly, you suprise me, for a fellow rotor head, particularly one with a bell 47, removing a distributor should be a walk in the park compared to the preflight for that bird!

(Ok I'm jealous....does it show? I was flying 300C's but all I can get my hands on these days are R22/44's....)

Left skid low...

[Wil Ferch]

Caution...not so fast.

J Richard is basically correct, but I'd go one step further if your mind is troubled about removing the dizzy.
Yes... mark the point where the rotor faces the dizzy body, but as you pull it out the last 1/2" , you will see the rotor makes one last rotational move about a 1/4" , due to the angled cut of the dizzy drive gear. Make a second mark on where it "now" points, just as the dizzy is removed from the engine case. When you re-install, line up with the second mark, and as you re-seat the dizzy in fully...see if it lines up with the first mark, as the gearing will rotate the rotor back to the first mark. It should, and you mind will be free from worry !!

--Wil Ferch

[scottb]

I'll give it a go tonight.

If I have problems putting it back in, I assume you'll all fly in and help, right?

Thanks for the info, guys.