Thread: Please Help - Distributor stuck in block

Tweet

I just bought a 67 Chevelle with a 283. I can't pull the dristributor out of the block. I removed the hold down clamp. The distributor body turns and the shaft turns with the engine. The engine runs. The lobes for the points are worn so I have to replace the distributor. I can pull the distributor up about 1/8 of an inch. There seems to be something in the block holding it in place. I've even went as far as using a crow bar to pry it out. The only thing left that I can think of is to pull the engine and tear it down. Did I miss something? Did old chevy's have a something in the block to lock the distributor in? Any help out there? Thanks in advance. Mike

I've run into this a few times. Whats holding the Distributor in is CRUD. Usually old varnish deposits. What I usually do is keep twisting it back and forth while lifting up on the distributor. You can also use a small pry bar/big screwdriver at the base to GENTLY help pry it up, alternating from side to side. I also usually spray liberal amounts of penetrating oil down the housing (plan on changing the oil afterwards).

Just keep working it and it will eventually come out (I have sometimes had to work more than an hour on some of them, but they do come out).

One last thought. If you get really desperate, get a shop manual and study how to dissamble the distributor, it is possible to change the points cam without removing the distributor. Beleive me though, it easier to do with the distributor out, and chances are the bushings are worn to the point where they need replaced (which does require the removal of the distributor).

nice car to work on.

To cut thru the crud, squirt brake cleaner around the bottom of the distributor. HOWEVER, you'll need to change oil.