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Mar 22, 2012 | 11:03 PM

1978-BBB

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: Vancouver, Canada

distributor

so i got a 78 F250 with a 400, distributor is stuck in place ( frozen/siezed/whatever ), i've heard this is common....? anyone got a clue as to how to free it up?

Mar 23, 2012 | 12:53 AM

PapaBearYuma

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 3,354

Likes: 48

From: Great American SouthWest

My local Ford dealer nearly destroyed my distributor, then reinstalled it -one tooth off.

I think they used a slide hammer.

Mar 23, 2012 | 01:12 AM

JB78f150

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Joined: Jul 2011

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From: Virginia Beach, VA

I had the same problem. I pretty much put a pry bar under it and broke it out. Mine was bad anyways so I didn't mind breaking it out.

Mar 23, 2012 | 05:07 AM

OldStyle

Rusty Roller

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1,423

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From: Santa Cruz Mountains

First thing you should do is to start soaking it with a good penetrate. Aero Kroil soaks in the best followed by PBlaster.

Main thing to remember is to be patient; it didn't seize up in a day so don't expect it to free up in 5 min.

After soaking it up good, a day or two if you can, try working it one direction and the other till it rotates freely. Keep soaking it with penetrate and once free start pulling it upward as you rotate. If it comes partway out but won't pull free then rotate the engine by hand using the crankshaft pulley bolt. After rotating the engine some it should come out.

Mar 23, 2012 | 09:09 PM

1978-BBB

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From: Vancouver, Canada

thanks guys i'll give it a try in a few weeks when i get my summer car on the road and can afford to have my truck not drivable jsut in case.

Mar 24, 2012 | 08:52 AM

OldStyle

Rusty Roller

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1,423

Likes: 5

From: Santa Cruz Mountains

Go ahead and spray it down any time you can when it will be sitting for a spell. Like over night or while parked at work. The penetrate will soak in a little farther each time and by the time you start working on the it you will be that much closer. You don't need to try to move it or un-clamp it; just spray the hold down area.

Mar 24, 2012 | 01:54 PM

JBradley500

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Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,354

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From: America

i PB blasterd mine... then used something at the base of the distributor (screw driver/2x4/etc) and a hammer to spin it free. if you distributor doesn't have a raised or recessed area on the base of the distributor this probably won't work as well.