Distributor won't budge

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May 31, 2007 | 11:44 AM

bustedflush

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2007

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Distributor won't budge

Hey all,
I've been searching for a while but can't find a problem similar to this. If anyone has run into a similar problem any help would be greatly appreciated.
1990, f250, 460 TFI-IV, E4OD.
Removed the spout and checked the timing and it's at 2 deg BTDC. I loosened the hold down bolt on the distributor to bring it up to 10 deg BTDC and the distributor won't budge. Sprayed it with penetrating oil around the base and let it set overnight - still won't budge. Tapped it with a rubber mallet and sprayed it again and let it set overnight. still won't budge. Is there a secret hold down bolt somewhere on the pumpkin or something? lol.

Thanks for any advice!

May 31, 2007 | 01:25 PM

subford

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 23,667

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From: Easton,Ks

You are doing about all you and do, just keep spraying it with PB Blaster.

Before you turn it you might want watch the rotor and move the crank back and forth. It sounds like you have a lot of play or have jumped a tooth.
If you have a lot and you change the timing gears and chain and recheck it your timing might be right on.

May 31, 2007 | 03:57 PM

bustedflush

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 52

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Thanks Bill.

I checked the rotor and it looks like I have about 4-5 deg of play before the rotor starts to move so the chain is probably borderline loose. I appreciate the reassurance on the distributor and the quick reply!
Thought I might be missing something.

May 31, 2007 | 07:51 PM

88 f150

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 135

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You can try one of those strap oil filter wrenches. I dont recall clockwise to advance?

Jun 2, 2007 | 04:55 AM

Alvin in AZ

Postmaster

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 2,760

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From: Gadsden Purchase

I've never had this problem but sure enough read about it several times. :/

So what's causing it to stick?
Aluminum corrosion?

Aluminum. copper, zinc and lead all expand farther than iron when heated and contract father when cooled. :)

If it is the aluminum causing it to stick I'd figure out a way to cool it like dry ice or something and at least try that before putting too much strain on it. If you break it off, it'll still be stuck in there. :/

When I was a kid my friend's dad got a 300 Winchester brass stuck in his brand new resizing die. Threaded it for 1/4-20 and pulled those threads out and the new 5/16"-18 threads too! He was told to try dry ice. He placed the brass down on the block of dry ice, asked "how long you think it'll take?" went to move it to a new place and it startled all three of us when the empty brass case fell out on the floor. :)

Just that fast. :)

Alvin in AZ