Replacing distributor cap ford 8n

[RWD]

I have a cracked distributor cap. It is a front mount distributor on a 1948 ford 8n. I've released the clamps and wires, but the cap doesn't lift off easily. I'm also confused as the cap shares a gasket with the ignition coil assembly, and the terminal housing. What is the proper method to remove and replace the cap and rotor. My access and visiblity are very much diminished by a front loader. That is why I want to limit what I do to cap and rotor. I don't want to break anything that I can't get to or see.
Tanks.
RWD

 

[Bob]

Get the coil and it's gasket out of the way, then replace the distributor cap, then the gasket and coil. The "coiled spring thingy" and the little steel tab under the coil MUST not be bent/damaged and MUST make good connection swith their respective connections in/on the distributor or it ain't gonna run!

More questions? Surf on over to the "N" Ford-specific Board on this very site:
Ns

 

[Mark-Ia]

You can just remove the dist. The drive lugs on the dist are off-set so it will only go on one way.

 

[old]

By far the easiest way to do that is to remove the complete distributor which is done with 2 bolts and unless you force the distributor back on it will only go on one way because the tang on it is off set by about and 1/8 inch so it only fits one way unless like I said it is forced on and then you buy a new distributor

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If the cap has a cracked terminal, it is most likely due to the axle hitting it when it pivots. This is caused by the bushings in the center pivot of the axle, or the pivot pin, being worn out and loose, allowing the axle to move around. Replacing the cap won't fit the root problem, it will get busted again.

Charles