I have a 1977 460 C.I.D. engine that seems to have a frozen distributor. The engine runs strong, but needs a timming adjustment. I cannot rotate the distributor! I am afraid the aluminum shaft will break if I get forceful. YES, I have losened the hold down clamp. Any reason this might happen? Any suggestions?

 

I had the same problem in my '76 right after I bought it. Luckily, I had a giant pair of channel-lock pliers that could grab the whole housing. Got that sucker twisting and was eventually able to remove it altogether. I rebuilt the whole thing because the maechanical advance was all gummed up.

It may help if you run the motor to warm it up a bit first. If you don't have pliers, try wrapping a rag around it and giving it a twist by hand.

Hope this helps.

Jim
<a href="https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1976_f250_2.html">https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1976_f250_2.html</a>

 

I advise removing the magnetic pickup and vacuum advance unit first. Soak the base of the distributor in penetrating oil, Berryman B12 Chemtool, or PB Blaster. Heat the distributor near the manifold gingerly with a propane torch - be very careful of fires! That should work as in most cases it is oil sludge holding up the works.

 

hey try after after soakin' it tap the base of the dis. with a chisel in a rotating direction (not straight in) or tap with a punch. the deal is the alium. is corrated and has swelled to zero tollerences.it's never failed me.(or broke anything)!~

 

I have had success using an oil filter wrench around the distributor after having soaked it in penetrating oil.
The oil filter wrench will grip it tight and not break anything.

 

I had the same problem on a engine. I sprayed the base of the shaft with breakeaway every day for a week and with a little perswaytion from my ait chissle and a dull tip I was on my way.

Dan