Help - Distributor Won't Turn to Adjust - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bluec10 · 06-24-2018, 03:31 PM

Been trying to set the timing on my L6 engine. It runs poorly, but it runs. I loosened the bolt holding the distributor shaft and made sure the little fork had free play. I can't for the life of me turn the distributor to adjust the timing. It's stuck. It's an awkward thing to grip with tools so I thought I'd check for ideas before I damaged something.

franken · 06-24-2018, 07:22 PM

I imagine it could be the base (where the hold down is) is stuck to the block or over time sludge has built up. I've seen distributors that couldn't be removed without a good bit of effort due to sludge. I'd try to lift it a bit to rule out the base being stuck. If you can lift it maybe shoot som B12 in to loosen things. Maybe a strap wrench?

68C15 · 06-24-2018, 08:03 PM

Grab it with a channel locks and wiggle back and forth while spraying GOOD penetrant into gap between block and dizzy.

Are you sure the timing is off and not just worn points?

**Steeveedee** · 06-24-2018, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

Grab it with a channel locks and wiggle back and forth while spraying GOOD penetrant into gap between block and dizzy.

Are you sure the timing is off and not just worn points?

Yup. If the thing ran OK after the last tune up, the timing is still set right. I'd bet on the points being toast, as well. But I'd still work on getting the 'stributator loose from the block.

toolboxchev · 06-24-2018, 11:36 PM

I have seen distributors so loose as soon as the hold down bolt was un tightened the thing would be spinning each direction.

Chances are the dis-similar metals have a bit of corrosion between. Soak with PB Blaster and repeat three times between heat cycles. A pair of vise grips should do the trick.

Yeas I know they will leave some marks, be careful in how tight you make them. I would bet with enough strength it could shatter the aluminum shaft housing.

06-24-2018, 03:31 PM	#1
bluec10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 663	Help - Distributor Won't Turn to Adjust Been trying to set the timing on my L6 engine. It runs poorly, but it runs. I loosened the bolt holding the distributor shaft and made sure the little fork had free play. I can't for the life of me turn the distributor to adjust the timing. It's stuck. It's an awkward thing to grip with tools so I thought I'd check for ideas before I damaged something. __________________ Present: 2015 Tacoma. Yeah, not a GM, but I love it. 1969 GMC 32,000 - fix, drive, relax, fix... 2019 BMW R1250 GSA - Yahoooooooo 1979 Honda GL 1000 - retro touring at its best. Past: '05 Sierra 4x4 - Had 270,000 KM and running well when it was written-off by a stop sign runner. '94 F-150 from the "F word" company. I'll admit it...good truck. Sold what was left of it for $800 to a guy who came to pick it up at 11:00 PM with cash in hand. Hmm. '79 Sierra Grande (Black) organ donor - perfect rebuildable 4-bolt 350 and a good TH350. '76 Sierra Grande (Orange) - hate isn't too strong a word. Kid who bought it turned it into a hot rod. '68 C-10 R.I.P. - Dad's old truck...too far gone to resurrect. '59 C-50 - with hoist. Truck is gone, wife isn't. Nuff said.

06-24-2018, 07:22 PM	#2
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,052	Re: Help - Distributor Won't Turn to Adjust I imagine it could be the base (where the hold down is) is stuck to the block or over time sludge has built up. I've seen distributors that couldn't be removed without a good bit of effort due to sludge. I'd try to lift it a bit to rule out the base being stuck. If you can lift it maybe shoot som B12 in to loosen things. Maybe a strap wrench?

06-24-2018, 08:03 PM	#3
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Help - Distributor Won't Turn to Adjust Grab it with a channel locks and wiggle back and forth while spraying GOOD penetrant into gap between block and dizzy. Are you sure the timing is off and not just worn points? __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

06-24-2018, 11:36 PM	#5
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Help - Distributor Won't Turn to Adjust I have seen distributors so loose as soon as the hold down bolt was un tightened the thing would be spinning each direction. Chances are the dis-similar metals have a bit of corrosion between. Soak with PB Blaster and repeat three times between heat cycles. A pair of vise grips should do the trick. Yeas I know they will leave some marks, be careful in how tight you make them. I would bet with enough strength it could shatter the aluminum shaft housing.



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