I have started to tear down my motor finally, everything was coming smooth till i got to the distuber, it wont budge, so i ask my dad what to do, he says get a steel rod and rotate it by the little tab on there, i did so but the rod slipped of and broke my vacuum advance, first problem, then to get it out of my way i try to unscrew it from the distributor, the two flat heads strip out, so i finished breaking it off =/, then when i took off the tiny pin on the vacuum advance it flew out of the pliers landing god knows where in my garage, so now i have a completley broken vacuum advance and the distubter still will not move

first question, can i buy just a new vacuum advance?
and second question, how the hell do i get the distributor off?

 

Assuming you have removed the retaining clip and bolt, will the housing rotate (like you are adjusting the timing)? If not, that is probably your problem, the housing has corroded to the block. Apply a little heat and then when it has cooled to just too hot to touch spray some PB Blaster around it soaking it well. The next day you should be able to break it free and remove it.

If it rotates now, but will not come out, the oil pump shaft is probably stuck. This is usually less of a problem as it stays fairly lubricated. See it you can get a large flat tipped screw driver under the distributor lip where it seats against the block.

Look, I don't think you really want to use this distributor again anyway, so what I usually do is turn the engine upside down, remove the pan and oil pump and then use a BFH to smack the oil pump shaft a couple of times to break the distributor free. Works every time.

 

+1 on the plan on getting a new distributor

+2 on the BFH.

 

thank you so much i will try this as soon as i cut the grass,,,,

 

i HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest getting a new distrubtor anyways.

nothin like starting off fresh with brand new parts

+1 to using a bigass hammer and knock that SOB outta there.

 

do not try to pry it out when it's not turning.
whack it until it turns and then try to pry it out ... and yes, get a new one with electronic pickup

 

how freely should it turn, after letting it sit lubricated over night it still takes a mighy blow from a hammer to spin it.

also i am 15, and have VERY little money to work with, how much does a new distributer run? an what are electronics pickups, how much more are they, and are they worth it right now, or can it be added in after the car is done when money moves a little better

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ignition-system4.htm

you can get an upgrade kit for like $20, which gives you electronic points.

or a brand new msd or petronix ready to run (which means no ignition box) distributors will run you about $300.

i have an original dual point distributor i might be willing to sell. but i have to do some reseach to make sure how rare it is and if i want to keep it.

 

Did you loosen the bolt like fakesnakes said? If you loosen the bolt it should turn pretty easily. The bolt is under the case that holds the points and condenser.

 

You are refering to the bolt that goes into the block right? nothing in /on the distributor itself?
if yes then it will move with the aid of a hammer
if no then man i feel dumb