distributor don't move , 351W EFI

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Aug 8, 2021 | 06:48 AM

Ketch347

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 188

Likes: 13

From: France

distributor don't move , 351W EFI

1989 E250 Club Wagon, 351W, E40D (button on dashboard), 4.10 end, 70K miles on 5 digits odometer, (probably original mileage).

Hi everyone

I wanted to adjust my timing a bit. So I loosened the bolt at the distributor base but impossible to turn the distributor counterclockwise or clockwise. So I completely removed the bolt and clamp and no way again to move the distributor on himself. I did not try to pull it up because I am afraid of having to shift the timing completely. Do you have any ideas why my distributor doesn't turn on himself ?

Aug 9, 2021 | 07:34 AM

GNR22

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 4,197

Likes: 558

From: Central Wisconsin

The distributor is likely seized into the block. Using brute force will likely break the base off of the distributor. You'll likely need to soak the area with some sort of penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) for some amount of time and hope it frees up. You could also try heating this area of the block, in hopes that the block expands slightly and lets you move the distributor. Chances are, you will break the distributor trying to remove it. If the motor still runs decent, I would leave it alone instead of risking damage.

Aug 9, 2021 | 04:56 PM

Ketch347

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 188

Likes: 13

From: France

GNR22,
thank you for the advice. Going to add WD40 each day few times by day until this end week. No easy access on the E250. If don’t Move after that, okay stay like that . The engine run well .

Aug 9, 2021 | 09:26 PM

aaa2231

5th Wheeling

Joined: Aug 2021

Posts: 48

Likes: 13

From: Shawnee National Forest

Davey is spot on. I grew up in the distributor carburetor era, very common problem. Dist. is aluminum block is iron and they don't like each other. Keep soaking, I have taken a pair of channel locks along with tapping with a brass hammer and gotten them loose. The van makes it twice as hard, good luck. Please post your results.

Aug 12, 2021 | 11:19 AM

Ketch347

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 188

Likes: 13

From: France

Since Monday, 3 or 4 times by day with WD40. Trying today to turn the distributor with a plier, no way. Need the Van this weekend. I'm giving up for now.

Aug 12, 2021 | 12:21 PM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 20,786

Likes: 1,751

From: Kentucky

WD40 is a waste of time and frustration. Here is a glimmer of hope for your situation: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-solution.html

Aug 12, 2021 | 12:46 PM

aaa2231

5th Wheeling

Joined: Aug 2021

Posts: 48

Likes: 13

From: Shawnee National Forest

IMHO WD-40 is not effective as a penetrating oil. PB blaster is a good all around one but for this you need something stronger and it's homemade, 50/50 mix of acetone and atf. Saw on another forum where Hot Rod mag did a test of all the popular brands and acetone and atf worked the best. You also need to tap on something that sticks out to try and get it to turn both ways. A little heat won't hurt and also a strap wrench which won't break anything. Sounds like you can still drive it but this project will take some time and patience. Also google it you will get all kinds of ideas. If you spend the time I think it will come loose. Good Luck.

Brian