Distributor stuck in block
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 111
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From: Houston, TX
Distributor stuck in block
I have a '76 390 that I am trying to get the distributor out of. I have removed the dist. hold down bolt and bracket. It doesn't budge at all. When I turn the crank, the rotor moves, so the shaft is ok. Any tips or tricks as to how to get this thing out?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,302
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From: Madison, SD
Soak the distributor shaft where it goes into the engine with a good quality penetrating oil for a few days, spray it once or twice a day until it does come loose. This is a fairly common occurance, corrosion between dissimilar metals.... A bit of patience and it will usually come loose....
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 8
From: Union, Washington
Use the biggest pair of Channel Locks you can get to grasp the dist below the body of it (where it is small and aluminum is thick) and twist, once you can move it back and forth it should come out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 8
From: Union, Washington
For a really great penetrating oil I reall like PB Blaster (I get it at WalMart). Was a Marine mechanic for a long time and I have seen it break loose engines with the rings rusted to the cylinder walls.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 669
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that's interesting. I've filled engines with diesel before to get them unstuck. It's worked for me many times. Unfortunately I did this in a VW once...got it unstuck and running only to have the diesel fuel that got blown out into the exhaust to ignite...wasn't much left of it after the fire burnt out.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 8
From: Union, Washington
I have also used diesel, but the PB Blaster is faster. On the exhuast fire, I learned a long time ago that there isn't anything better than a fire extinguisher when you need on. I was a volunteer fightfighter too and the wife was both an Aid Captain (para-Medic, still is) and Fire Commissioner , and it looks bad when you burn you car, truck or house down. The other fire guys point and laugh allot and refuse to forget.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
If you have the room, get out the oxy-acetylene torch and heat the intake around the distributor 
But that'll destroy the front intake seal ... unless you're taking the entire motor apart?
WD40 is not a penetrating oil, as you found out ...
But that'll destroy the front intake seal ... unless you're taking the entire motor apart?
WD40 is not a penetrating oil, as you found out ...
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 62
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stuck distributor
There is actually a distributor pulling tool. Do u know any mechanics that have one? They may loan it to u or come by after work. Be sure to ask what they like to drink...tell them u have lots of that drink, very cold in your frige..DAHMER
