Where to find screw that holds plug wire to distributor cap?

The screws are not sold separately from the distributor cap. The original Marelli caps use screws that have a different thread/screw from those that are used on the modern reproduction replacement caps (which are very poor quality, and are the only new caps that are available).

If you have original Marelli caps (they have a Marelli logo cast into them) that are in decent condition, then I would not replace them with modern crap. I have spare screws from worn out caps that I have replaced. Send me a message with your contact info, and I will send you one. The caps have three short screws and two long screws, which type do you need?
Brian Brown
San Francisco Motorsports

 

I love those postings....wire that never was pierced inside distributor cap and lost screw. That the reason I love to check myself every bit of my car.

 

When coils are strong enough, current passes obstacles. So it can be your spark plugs did get current. But I would change the wires (or that wire) because of the internal damage or burn marks.

 

Many years ago I dropped a screw from my GT4 and it rolled down a wide crack in the concrete never to be seen again. They looked very similar to those used in 50's/60's British sports cars with Lucas ignition. Sure enough they were exactly the same. The screw that I lost was the same as one in a Austin Healey 3000 distributor cap. Most Lucas caps had a stepped design so there can be two screw lengths per cap. Anyone losing a screw might try taking your cap to a place that specializes in MG, AH and Triumph repairs and see if they have an old one laying around.

 

Or take it to your local Ferrari shop. Most have a drawer full like Brian Brown and I both do.

 

Do you have a image of the screw.

 

Hi Brian,

do you still happen to have those distributor cap screws and are willing to part with it? I was in the middle of changing the spark plug wires and one of the three short screws disappeared.
Of course I would cover your expenses!
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I wonder if a machine shop could recreate these?

 

I would encourage you to search deeply to find the screw. Many years ago I lost one when changing plug wires on a Lotus, and thought "no big deal, I'll grab one out of an old cap". Days later, when out for a drive, my car shut down instantaneously. Turns out I had dropped the screw into the capless distributor body where it wizzed about for some miles before it wedged itself between the body and the shaft, fracturing the housing and stopping the distributor cold, while breaking teeth on the jackshaft. So an engine disassembly repair because I didn't take the time to find a screw. Lesson learned, I now account for all small bits during disassembly and reassembly.

 

A machine shop could make these easily. Even my older, rather large CNC lathe could make these in about 20 seconds, but each screw would need to have the head slit for a screw driver in a second operation. The problem with making little parts like these is simply the time and hassle of sending them out exceeds by far the time it takes to make them. Solved by buyers willing to just send a self addressed envelope with an order. Long screws- short screws once the proper bar of material is obtained both lengths of screws could be made quickly. I've done LOTS of mercy order part runs.

 

You mean the motor of the vacuum cleaner that sucks in the screw when cleaning the floor? ;-)
I fortunately dropped the screw somewhere on the garage floor. It's so tiny... I don't know where it might have flown. Stefan from Red Bay Cars www.redbaycars.com helped me out and sold me a set.

 

Why go to the expense? There are literally thousands of them laying around in Ferrari shops around the world. I probably have more than a hundred.

All it takes it for someone to get off their butt, go to a shop and ask.

 

I think that is the key reason. Getting someone to go and get it, then they charge sky high prices because they had to get up.

 

BS. I have given many away and so have many others. I have a drawer full. How many you need? You only have to show up here.

 

since we're on the subject...I have two original Marelli caps that seem re-usable (instead of the junk repros sold by SP, etc.). However, the screws inside the cap are seized and PB blaster and soaking didn't help. Anyone have any tricks for getting these loose?

 

just drilled them through today, 2 of 5 were stuck for me. Also in need for one or some screws, the shorter one exactly like on post #12.

 

Is there anyone you know selling this little screws to me please? It's the only thing left to put my car back together. Thank you

 

I'll give you one, free. What is your address? I want a free drink whenever I make it to Budapest (always want to go, too)

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Thanks Mitchell, one more needed of this short screw if anyone has one.

 

You should have said you needed 2. I will send you another one.