Stuck distributor

[Knightrider]

Set about replacing my original distributor with a 123-ignition one today, and hit a snag - I cannot get the old one off no matter what I try! I have loosened the clamp, and to be sure undone the bolt that holds the clamp to the engine - the clamp rotates around the base of the distributor so I know it isn't that.

It is stuck fast - won't rotate, won't pull. I have tried hitting, prying, twisting and pulling and have achieved nothing other than cracking the vacuum when the pry bar slipped....

Any tips? Am I missing something?

[mgcjag]

Sounds like it's seized in the block....get plenty of penetrating oil in there.....you previously said your fitting a 123 ....so needs must and do whats needed to twist the dizzy out....but....plenty of oil for a good few days first...Steve

[Knightrider]

Thanks. Have soaked in in plusgas and will keep going...

[mgcjag]

Not uncommon for coolant to leak from the thermostat houseing and over the dizzy

[Robbiee]

Have you tried with a hot engine block?
Might be enough to shift it?

[Knightrider]

I've tried heat. Not sure if it will run now as I've cracked/damaged the vacuum advance. Will keep going with the penetrating oil for a few days and see if it frees...

[mgcjag]

You could try a torch/blow lamp/heat gun to heat the houseing area below the dizzy

[Gfhug]

With a fire extinguisher to hand, please!

[Knightrider]

As there are lots of unresolved threads on this topic I thought I'd update. It took 1.5 weeks, but its out!

I followed the advice and heat cycled with a heat gun (not a torch) and doused in plusgas daily for a week. After a week, I could get a small amount of rotational movement with a large pry bar. I then continued with heat, small rotational movements, and plusgas for a few more days, then eventually got it out when it was moving more freely - a bit pair of channel locks on the top to rotate back and forwards, with a big pry bar applying upward pressure under the flange.

The old dizzy is toast, but I have a 123 to install so I'm not too upset!

[mgcjag]

Great....if it was easy it wouldn't be enjoyable thanks for the update...Steve

[DWW]

hope you took good care of the block.....

[Gfhug]

I dare you to send it to the Distributor Doctor for overhaul
Would love to see the look on his face
Geoff

[Knightrider]

hope you took good care of the block.....

Yes - I was careful to use the old clamp to protect the block... All looks fine.