Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Distributor is stuck

Any tips on getting it to move? Trying to adjust the timing. I loosened the 11mm bolt that holds the locking plate, but it can't get the distributor to move. Tried penetrating oil and tapping where I can with a drift and hammer, but no luck.

73 4/4 Ford 1600

Try a strap wrench to get a bit more leverage on it.

Could you try using a strap wrench, of the type used for removing oil filters?

Have you slackened the pinch bolt on the clamp as well as the locking screw into the block?

Just slackening the 7/16 AF locking screw into the block wont allow you to move the distributor

Arwyn

No. Where is the locking screw? It's so hard to see down there. I loosened two things. A bolt that goes down into the block, and a bolt that goes sideways under the distributor.

Right ok, you've undone them both.

It could be that a previous owner has over tightened the pinch bolt (the one that goes sideways) and its distorted the distributor. In that case, remove the bolt completely and with a suitable screwdriver, try to open out the slot on the locking plate.

To repair, you will need to do a bit of careful filework to the damaged area and this will mean the distributor will need to come out.

If it's not that, then the distributor has become stuck in the block. Not unheard of but patience and plenty of penetrating oil will usually win the day. If the engine is running, try to get the block up to running temp as it may break the join.

Arwyn

I'll give it a try. Thanks

There's an O-ring on the distributor shaft in the block. It's likely dried out and stuck. Replace the O-ring before you re-install the distributor.

I wasn't planning on pulling it out, just want to adjust the timing. It's still stuck solid. Didn't have much time to look at it as I had to put a new power steering pump in the truck. Soaked it down with more penetrating oil and I'll give it another try tomorrow.

Got it! It took a few days of penetrating oil. Then I removed the cap and rotor. Since there's no room there to get a good side grip on it, I put one large channel lock straight down on the distributor and another channel lock gripping the first one. Gave some gentle pressure but forceful pressure and it moved.

When I first checked the timing it was somewhere around 16° BTDC. After I moved it it was 10°. And I can feel it when I drive. Feels like a new car.

At some point I should try to work it out of the block, clean it up, and replace the o-ring. But that's for another day.