HELP - Distributor cap

[hornmeister2000]

Hi! Just tried to service my Minor for the first time today and met with the first snag. The Haynes Manual helpfully says "remove the distributor cap by releasing the 2 clips". Only problem is, whichever way I move them, they don't budge. All the leads come off OK, but am I doing something wrong with the clips?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Neil

[Peetee]

At a guess are you trying to remove them by pulling at the long curved section? If so this usually only causes them to tighten down on the cap.
The best way to remove them is to get a short stubby flat-bladed screwdriver and force it down between the end of the clip and the distributor cap twisting as you do so.
Count yourself luck you're not working on an 80's VW. one spring clip on these cars is about 10mm away from the engine block, angled in towards it and a pig to release. A Grade 1 knuckle grazer .

[Chris Morley]

Push the centre of the curved spring section with your thumb - (this loosens the clip at the cap end by splaying the spring). Then pull at the clip end with a finger & thumb on the other hand. There's no need to use tools.