How to remove a distributor?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Popbumper, Feb 1, 2010.

  1. Popbumper

    Popbumper PINTO unashamed

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    Hi all:

    Again with a question that "cross-pollinates". Curious as to what I am up against trying to remove a distributor from a 2.3L Ford (Pinto) motor. I am certain there is a reasonable amount of similarity to the inline 6.... Can anyone give me some pointers on:

    1) The procedure - where to start, how to proceed?
    2) The shortfalls - what should I be aware of/careful doing?
    3) The interactions - is there anything to be concerned about with how the oil pump interacts with it? Parts that may or may not come out with it? Dangers in losing something? General pointers?
    4) Points in reinstallation?

    Problem - car dies after running for a while, loses power. Needs to cool off, then will start again. Is NOT: Ignition module, plugs, wires, carb, distributor cap, solenoid, battery, standard items. Kinda left to the distributor at this point.

    Any ideas anyone? Completely wrong track/idea? Anyone want to share the process? Many thanks!

    Chris
     
    Popbumper, Feb 1, 2010
    #1
  2. yellow75

    yellow75 MCCI Oregon State Rep Supporting Member

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    How about the coil.
     
    yellow75, Feb 1, 2010
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  3. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    X 2...:yup:
     
    71gold, Feb 1, 2010
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  4. justin has a 74

    justin has a 74 Maverick bandit official

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    I have seen this in my car, distributor a couple teeth off? Had my car die on the off ramp going 50, would not start, jumped out and turned the distributor to the drivers side a little and it started right up. BTW the car was at 210 degrees and started up slow.

    Dont loose the hold down, down in the distributor hole.
     
    justin has a 74, Feb 1, 2010
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  5. mean_maverick

    mean_maverick Senior Member

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    fuel line getting clogged??? (ask me how i know, lol)
     
    mean_maverick, Feb 1, 2010
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  6. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Could be the coil...Or the stator (pickup) in the distributor. Had a 74 T-Bird did the same thing till I changed the stator in the distributor. As for removal...Bring #1 cyl to TDC on the compression stroke,mark rotor location (should point to #1 terminal on dist cap) dont turn over engine at all at this point.Remove dist hold down and remove distributor. Reinstallation is the opposite of removal...Good luck!!!
     
    Mavman72, Feb 1, 2010
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  7. Popbumper

    Popbumper PINTO unashamed

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    Oops, forgot to add, not the coil. Thanks for the other suggestions!

    Chris
     
    Popbumper, Feb 1, 2010
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  8. Bubba Bob

    Bubba Bob Member

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    In addition to what Mavman72 said....


    Im not familiar with the 2.3, but if the oil pump runs off the dizzy, make sure not to drop the pump shaft down into the oil pan. Sometimes the shaft will stick to the bottom of the distributor and make it half way out before.... oops, plopping back down. And they ALWAYS miss the oil pump :yup:
     
    Bubba Bob, Feb 1, 2010
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  9. dkstuck

    dkstuck Member

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    as Mavman Said, I think you can replace stator an pick-up without removing dist.
     
    dkstuck, Feb 2, 2010
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  10. sierra grabber

    sierra grabber Certifiable

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    ditto on the oil pump shaft, one of the VERY few things i like better about GM products. i can usually get my mechanics reach in there just before the dizzy is out far enough to drop the pump shaft (real close though) and grab the pump shaft with the magnet to push it back in.
     
    sierra grabber, Feb 3, 2010
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