The Ford Barn

rob63mess · 02-22-2013, 05:06 PM

he guys....im going to clean the engine and do some detailing on the motor as well....i would also like to pull the head and give it a once over...is it a big job to pull the dist. and does have anyone have any tips on doing so?

2manycars · 02-22-2013, 05:32 PM

The distributor should lift straight up after backing off the set screw and lock nut on the side of the head. If it does not, do not risk breaking the casting if you are pulling the head anyway. You can press out a stuck distributor from the bottom side of the head after removing it from the engine, or try tapping it out with a brass or hardwood drift. Sometimes the distributor will rust into the head from moisture trying to escape the crankcase, up the shaft hole.

700rpm · 02-22-2013, 06:21 PM

If your ignition cable is bolted to the head you will have to remove the head nut to raise the distributor and unscrew the cable.

MikeK · 02-22-2013, 09:46 PM

Unless you're going fine-point and need to install a copper clad/white filler gasket and tweak the stud height, why would you pull the head? Seems like you may be opening a bigger can of worms than need be.

zzlegend · 02-22-2013, 09:48 PM

Ditto on what MikeK said.

Clem Clement · 02-22-2013, 09:52 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Do not try and pry it loose with a screwdriver. It will fail at the groove at the base/shaft housing area. The late 31 dissy had a flat spot on the housing to allow moisture to escape.

Mike V. Florida · 02-23-2013, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzlegend

Ditto on what MikeK said.

Times three.

Clean it up Mask off the nuts and other things you don't want green and go at it. If all goes well removing the head is easy, if not studs break, distributors crack and so one.

Leave sleeping dogs lie

rob63mess · 02-23-2013, 07:53 AM

Thanks for all of the replies....Im happy most of you are in agreement on not pulling the head....Im all for going the easier more sensible route. So I'll just pull the distributor and proceed. I guess i could actually leave it in and tape it off as well.

Rainmaker Ron · 02-24-2013, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob63mess

he guys....im going to clean the engine and do some detailing on the motor as well....i would also like to pull the head and give it a once over...is it a big job to pull the dist. and does have anyone have any tips on doing so?

check with your favorite dealer, most of them sell a version of the head and distributor puller I designed back in the 80's.
Rainmaker

Benson · 02-25-2013, 12:22 AM

additional info:
If you loosen the head nut to remove the dist cable ... drain water/antifreeze or you may have water/anti-freeze in the oil pan if the gasket leaks when you loosen the nut!

02-22-2013, 05:06 PM	#1
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	pulling the distributor he guys....im going to clean the engine and do some detailing on the motor as well....i would also like to pull the head and give it a once over...is it a big job to pull the dist. and does have anyone have any tips on doing so?

02-22-2013, 05:32 PM	#2
2manycars Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,732	Re: pulling the distributor The distributor should lift straight up after backing off the set screw and lock nut on the side of the head. If it does not, do not risk breaking the casting if you are pulling the head anyway. You can press out a stuck distributor from the bottom side of the head after removing it from the engine, or try tapping it out with a brass or hardwood drift. Sometimes the distributor will rust into the head from moisture trying to escape the crankcase, up the shaft hole.

02-22-2013, 06:21 PM	#3
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,930	Re: pulling the distributor If your ignition cable is bolted to the head you will have to remove the head nut to raise the distributor and unscrew the cable. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

02-22-2013, 09:46 PM	#4
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: pulling the distributor Unless you're going fine-point and need to install a copper clad/white filler gasket and tweak the stud height, why would you pull the head? Seems like you may be opening a bigger can of worms than need be.

02-22-2013, 09:48 PM	#5
zzlegend Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Reseda, Calif. Posts: 2,190	Re: pulling the distributor Ditto on what MikeK said.

02-22-2013, 09:52 PM	#6
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,405	Re: pulling the distributor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Do not try and pry it loose with a screwdriver. It will fail at the groove at the base/shaft housing area. The late 31 dissy had a flat spot on the housing to allow moisture to escape.

02-23-2013, 07:53 AM	#8
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Re: pulling the distributor Thanks for all of the replies....Im happy most of you are in agreement on not pulling the head....Im all for going the easier more sensible route. So I'll just pull the distributor and proceed. I guess i could actually leave it in and tape it off as well.

02-25-2013, 12:22 AM	#10
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,620	Re: pulling the distributor additional info: If you loosen the head nut to remove the dist cable ... drain water/antifreeze or you may have water/anti-freeze in the oil pan if the gasket leaks when you loosen the nut!