Distributer stuck

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Mar 12, 2022 | 02:48 PM

keithjchance

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Distributer stuck

I have a 1978 F150 with the 400 and up until recently the distributer was frozen solid and would not rotate. The guts worked just fine but unable to adjust the timing. Plenty of penetrating oil, a slide hammer and a torch finally gave me some room and I can rotate the distributer about 30 degrees. Turning one way will hit the water neck so obviously thats the end of travel on that side but it seems to stop going the other way too but not physically hitting anything that I can see. Is there just a limited amount of travel in these or is it just needing some more persuasion? I have it advanced as far as possible and still sitting a good 18 degrees btdc...

Mar 13, 2022 | 07:30 AM

manicmechanic007

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Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 10,551

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From: Near Salt Lake City

I am glad you got the distributor to move at all
We used to break them off at the dealer trying to tune them up
Use more penetrant and let it sit is all you can do
I am proud of you so far

Mar 13, 2022 | 03:56 PM

xlt4wd90

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: SoCal

I might suggest after soaking it in penetrating oil over night, apply some more in the morning, and "work" it by turning it back and forth through the small amount of movement it will move, push it more if possible at the non-obstructed end, all the while spraying more oil. This will help work the oil into more of the gap between the distributor and its hole and loosen up whatever gunk has formed.

Mar 16, 2022 | 05:49 PM

Blurry94

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Calhoun GA

Can you pull it out now that you've been able to get it to rotate? If so, it would be a good time to clean up the dist neck and bore, maybe coat the them with a very thin layer of anti-seize as well.

Mar 30, 2022 | 02:05 AM

SDDL-UP

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Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 1,118

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From: North Idaho

No, there shouldn't be any other limits on distributor rotation. I've had to destroy a distributor to get it to move at all, even with weeks of soaking with penetrating oil and many attempts. If you've got movement, just be patient and keep at it. You shouldn't need even 18 degrees advance, 10-12 would be pretty normal.