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1project2many · 08-03-2014, 09:11 PM

Don't be upset at the shoestring budget. I've been working with one for years.

If It's a 283 V8 (In a '52?) then the distributor and manifold can be removed together. The cam gear shape will force the distributor shaft to turn slightly on removal.

Is it a steel or aluminum distributor? Aluminum and iron (or steel) corrode when left in contact if moisture is present.You might try removing a few pushrods and peering down the holes at the lower part of the dizzy. If it's corroded in the block just above the cam then you've got some work ahead of you.

Can't recommend much on the torch without knowing something about intake and dizzy (steel, iron, aluminum?) Torch on cast iron used incorrectly can do damage. Does the rotor turn back and forth slightly or is it locked tight? Is it a points dizzy? Can the distributor be sacrificed?

Better yet, can you get a prybar on the flywheel teeth to work the crank back and forth? If there's no movement in the crank you might be better off looking for another engine. $500 doesn't usually get far if you start an engine rebuild.

08-03-2014, 09:11 PM	#4
1project2many Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakes Region NH Posts: 3,158	Re: Nasty Little Distributor Don't be upset at the shoestring budget. I've been working with one for years. If It's a 283 V8 (In a '52?) then the distributor and manifold can be removed together. The cam gear shape will force the distributor shaft to turn slightly on removal. Is it a steel or aluminum distributor? Aluminum and iron (or steel) corrode when left in contact if moisture is present.You might try removing a few pushrods and peering down the holes at the lower part of the dizzy. If it's corroded in the block just above the cam then you've got some work ahead of you. Can't recommend much on the torch without knowing something about intake and dizzy (steel, iron, aluminum?) Torch on cast iron used incorrectly can do damage. Does the rotor turn back and forth slightly or is it locked tight? Is it a points dizzy? Can the distributor be sacrificed? Better yet, can you get a prybar on the flywheel teeth to work the crank back and forth? If there's no movement in the crank you might be better off looking for another engine. $500 doesn't usually get far if you start an engine rebuild.