distributor removal problem

Shooby · Post by **Shooby** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 7:54 am

Anyone have any tricks on getting the distributor out of a M38? I’ve removed the single bolt that holds it securely to the block, but the darn thing just will not budge.

Also, for some odd reason, I do not have a bolt that locks the distributor down on the cam plate (the plate below the distributor housing). I assume it must have broken off. How the heck does the distributor stay in time?

FYI - reason for the removal of the distributor is to work on the centrifugal advance, mine seems to be sticking.

Thanks

Post by **wesk** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:00 am

The directions for installing the distributor include oiling it's aluminum body that fits inside the cast iron block so it won't seize. Looks like your previous owner didn't read that part.

Soak for a week with PB blaster. Aplly it daily for a week to the base are at the block. Every day try turning the distributor either way a little at a time and it will finally start to turn back and forth and when that happens then continue twisting back and forth while trying to pull upwards. There are two basic kinds of distributor lock down brackets. The plate with two bolt holes for one bolt down into the block and one bolt up into the bottom of the distributor housing and the plate with one hole for the block bolts and a pich type clamp and bolt.

Shooby · Post by **Shooby** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 7:51 am

Thanks Wes!

I will try the penetrating oil.

I feel much better knowing that my distributor doesn't have a broken bolt for the lock down. Not sure I completely understand how the one bolt locks the distributor from rotating, but it will probably make more sense to me when I pull it out and can get a good look at it.

Thanks again!

Shooby

Post by **wesk** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:56 am

Here's a photo of the distributor removed. Notic the plate fastened to the bottom of the housing. Notice that between the hand's smallest two fingers you can see a bolt that is threaded UP into the distributor through a slotted hole. This is the bolt you loosen to rotate the housing when timing the distributor. Now just to the right of the slot is an empty hole. That is the hole through which you install the bolt from the top side down into the block to retain the plate by fastening it solid to the block.

Shooby · Post by **Shooby** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:05 am

Hi Wes,

Thanks for the photo.

This is what my plate looks like too. My distributor does not have the bolt next to the 2 fingers. It does have the channel that the bolt would ride in to adjust the distributor though. This leads me to believe one of 2 things - I Have a snapped off bolt or the bolt is simply missing. As soon as I'm able to remove the distributor I can ascertain what the problem is.

Back to one of my original questions, not sure how the heck this thing stays in time with that missing bolt?

Appreciate the help Wes.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:37 pm

If the distributor housing is stuck in the block and won't move the timing it is currently set at cannot change. The plate with the slot is bolted to the block by the single round hole. Since you have no upside down bolthead in the slot then you could simply leave the plate bolted to the block and just work on loosening the distributor. Or you can take out the right side up bolt that holds the plate to the block and improve your chances for success loosening the housig and freeing it from the block.

Shooby · Post by **Shooby** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:49 am

Thanks again Wes! I'm going to start applying the PB blaster this weekend. I'll keep you posted....thanks again for all your help, it's much appreciated!

I see you live in Wisconsin. where about? I'm in Grafton.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 9:50 pm

Holcombe, 40 miles north of Eau Claire. Did you read my announcement in the events section for Sep 11th?

Shooby · Post by **Shooby** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 11:16 am

That's a beautiful area you live in Wes! Hoping I can make it to at least one of the days at the fall event. looks like a lot of fun!

Post by **wesk** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:53 pm

Looking forward to seeing you there.