Help removing distributor
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New User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 24
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Help removing distributor
I seem to prove my ineptitude every time I think I can fix something. In this case, I am attempting to remove the distributor. It will not come out. It moves up about 1/8 of an inch and stops. I’ve watched videos and seen them just pull right out so I know it’s possible. I’m stuck, any ideas? I’m leaning towards having the motor pulled and letting someone else rebuild it but don’t want to get to that point if I don’t have to.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 234
From: Southern California
Ok, I'll bite. First things first, what are we working on? 352 V8 FE? Or maybe a straight-six? Some motor that didn't come with the truck?
2nd, why do you want to remove the dizzy? Is it because you have a nice new replacement distributor? Or are you trying to remove the intake manifold, on the V8?
The reason I ask is that there are different approaches depending on if you need the dizzy to go back in and work or if you are replacing it.
Also, if V8, is it an aluminum or cast iron manifold?
2nd, why do you want to remove the dizzy? Is it because you have a nice new replacement distributor? Or are you trying to remove the intake manifold, on the V8?
The reason I ask is that there are different approaches depending on if you need the dizzy to go back in and work or if you are replacing it.
Also, if V8, is it an aluminum or cast iron manifold?
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 99
Likes: 20
From: Knoxville, TN
I just finished rebuilding my 240 six and am a complete novice so I can appreciate your hesitancy. My guess is that it's just gunked up and stuck like f5fordgirl said. I think it would be pretty tough to damage so I would recommend just twisting and pulling. It should break free with a little pressure. Good luck!
PS - The shaft disconnects but I would imagine it's stuck as well. Be aware though that if it disconnects while you're pulling the distributor out it could fall into the oil pan. That would be annoying.
PS - The shaft disconnects but I would imagine it's stuck as well. Be aware though that if it disconnects while you're pulling the distributor out it could fall into the oil pan. That would be annoying.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 24
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Ok, I'll bite. First things first, what are we working on? 352 V8 FE? Or maybe a straight-six? Some motor that didn't come with the truck?
2nd, why do you want to remove the dizzy? Is it because you have a nice new replacement distributor? Or are you trying to remove the intake manifold, on the V8?
The reason I ask is that there are different approaches depending on if you need the dizzy to go back in and work or if you are replacing it.
Also, if V8, is it an aluminum or cast iron manifold?
2nd, why do you want to remove the dizzy? Is it because you have a nice new replacement distributor? Or are you trying to remove the intake manifold, on the V8?
The reason I ask is that there are different approaches depending on if you need the dizzy to go back in and work or if you are replacing it.
Also, if V8, is it an aluminum or cast iron manifold?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 336
Likes: 23
Yes frustration happens. Don't beat yourself up too much. Working on old trucks is an adventure and a learning process. Most goof-ups Can be corrected.....Anyhow...do you have a manual? Reading and research is invaluable ...along with asking advice Before doing something that might make things tougher. We've all been there at one time or another.
I don't have an answer for how to proceed, but I would try with the oil pump further before pulling dist. Move crank a bit maybe?
I don't have an answer for how to proceed, but I would try with the oil pump further before pulling dist. Move crank a bit maybe?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 234
From: Southern California
Is the distributor broken or just stuck. If it is still only stuck you can feed the oil pump driveshaft up from the bottom. But you have to be relaxed to do it. If you are stressed or crunched for time it makes all things mechanical harder. Try it again tomorrow with a clear head. Now, if the dizzy is actually broken let it soak overnight in penetrating oil and tomorrow get the biggest chanellocks you can find and twist that sonofagun right out of there. Pic to follow
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Southern California
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
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....to summers...in a general sense, though it may not pertain to your exact predicament:
1. There is always someone here on FTE who has a suggestion that will help you. A lot of experience resides here!!
2. No matter how much experience we gain...we have all been where you are! Frustrated and pissed off at ourselves. Too bad that each time we tackle a predicament the second time is easier than the first. At that point we're nearly an expert.
3. With your truck, each experience and project is new....see #2 above.
4. I have had worse names for myself....but usually I'm by myself when I use them.
5. Help is here....just take it a step at a time. Learning and gaining experience is seldom a pleasant process.....
1. There is always someone here on FTE who has a suggestion that will help you. A lot of experience resides here!!
2. No matter how much experience we gain...we have all been where you are! Frustrated and pissed off at ourselves. Too bad that each time we tackle a predicament the second time is easier than the first. At that point we're nearly an expert.
3. With your truck, each experience and project is new....see #2 above.
4. I have had worse names for myself....but usually I'm by myself when I use them.
5. Help is here....just take it a step at a time. Learning and gaining experience is seldom a pleasant process.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I've heard it said when cooking, "time is an ingredient too", and it's true. Penetrating oil often needs time to work, as in hours or days not seconds or minutes.
And the point about a "clear head" is a real good one. We've all had days or procedures or maintenance on our trucks that for some reason, did Not Go To Plan. It happens, but learn to recognize it as it happens. "I've seen this movie before ..." Mistakes tend to happen when we are fatigued or frustrated discouraged & pissed off. Take a break, get some sleep. Heck, do this even when things are going to plan. This is a hobby, it's supposed to be fun, we're not "on the clock", no ****** supervisor telling us to hurry up.
Don't rush things whenever possible, or cut corners. Every time I half-*** something the results are often .. half-***. Weird huh? Then I have to go back in and do that task over, or buy a new part when the old one was OK, except I mangled it trying to get 'er out etc.
And the point about a "clear head" is a real good one. We've all had days or procedures or maintenance on our trucks that for some reason, did Not Go To Plan. It happens, but learn to recognize it as it happens. "I've seen this movie before ..." Mistakes tend to happen when we are fatigued or frustrated discouraged & pissed off. Take a break, get some sleep. Heck, do this even when things are going to plan. This is a hobby, it's supposed to be fun, we're not "on the clock", no ****** supervisor telling us to hurry up.
Don't rush things whenever possible, or cut corners. Every time I half-*** something the results are often .. half-***. Weird huh? Then I have to go back in and do that task over, or buy a new part when the old one was OK, except I mangled it trying to get 'er out etc.