Remove stuck distributor on 1988 240

jinglevo · Post by **jinglevo** » 22 Dec 2012, 10:29

Any useful advice re removing a distributor that is stuck hard to the cylinder block? The hold-down bolt is out, but I can't budge the distributor, and the location makes it hard for me to see how to e.g. get around the base of the distributor with a wrench or vice grip.

Thanks,
jinglevo

Post by **northernlights** » 22 Dec 2012, 10:40

A long brass drift is ideal to avoid scuffing anything. If you don't have one of those a 3/4" or up hardwood dowel (usually available at a Lowes or Home Depot type place) is usually good for quite a few hits especially if you reinforce the striking end with a bunch of duct tape. Try to whack the part of the distributor base where the holddown bolt went through and make the housing rotate.

jinglevo · Post by **jinglevo** » 22 Dec 2012, 11:47

Many thanks, northernlights. Working the hold-down bracket with a drift from the side rotated it by about 1/4" to 1/2". Now, though, it's turned at such an angle that I can't get purchase on the bracket from the side or the front, but it's not rotating freely and it's still sticking fast to the engine block. What could be holding it down so tightly?

Post by **jimmy57** » 22 Dec 2012, 11:52

salt gets between the block and distributor and the aluminum oxidation and rust get it bound up.
PB Blaster repeatedly and rotate is what gets it out.
I have pulled intake manifolds off the get them out. The room with it removed gives you lots more access.