351M stuck distributor. Help please.

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Aug 27, 2001 | 03:41 PM

LynnA

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351M stuck distributor. Help please.

Have a 351M in a 1980 F-350. I need to adjust the timing but the distributor won't turn even though the clamp is loose. I think the dist. housing is aluminum and of course the block is cast iron. Penetrating oil hasn't helped. Have been told to use a CO2 fire ext. to cool the housing and shrink it away from the block but I don't have a CO2 ext. handy. Any other ideas?

Thanks, Lynn.

Aug 27, 2001 | 05:06 PM

otto

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Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Racine WI

351M stuck distributor. Help please.

let the engine get good and warm and try that, otherwise tap around the base with a lead hammer

Aug 27, 2001 | 10:24 PM

sparky

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Joined: Jun 1999

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From: Comox Valley, Canada

351M stuck distributor. Help please.

I just had the same problem with the 351M in my 81. I loosened the distributor bolt and liberally sprayed WD40 on the base every morning before I drove the truck to work. On the 3rd day, actually 3rd night when I got home, I managed to get it to move by gently prying back and forth with a 12" prybar. Just be careful you dont pry to hard and break the housing.

Sparky

Aug 27, 2001 | 11:10 PM

rocky

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351M stuck distributor. Help please.

Kind off off-topic, but you have the 351M in a 1980 F350? My F350 has a 400, and I'm wondering did they put both engines in that year? BTW, If you tap your distributor housing, use a block of wood, the housing cracks fairly easily.

Aug 28, 2001 | 06:08 AM

LynnA

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351M stuck distributor. Help please.

Engines are the same except longer stroke on the 400.

Aug 28, 2001 | 08:14 AM

RGAZ

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351M stuck distributor. Help please.

Go to Napa and buy a can of PB Blaster. Its in a white and yellow can and works 1000 times better than WD-40 and about 100 times better than Liquid Wrench. Spray that on there, wait 20 minutes and give it a turn. You'll be suprised.

Randy