The Ford Barn

Roadster Rich · 07-10-2015, 07:42 AM

I have seen many threads on questions like this but mine is pretty simple. I need to pull the cracked head off an engine. Is there any reason why I cannot pull the distributor with the pop-out cable staying attached and the condenser and bottom plate still in place? I have the set screw out and left it soaking in my ATF/Acetone in the set screw hole and around the head area. Tonight I pull the distributor and try to remove the head.

Charles Coe · 07-10-2015, 09:07 AM

Yes, you can pull the dist. with the cable, condenser, etc. all in place.

jax55 · 07-10-2015, 09:13 AM

I am not sure I understand what you are wanting to do. I "think" in order for you to pull the distributor with the pop out cable attached, you will have to pull it all through the firewall from the inside. Right? I guess if the lock can fit through the firewall that would work. As far as the bottom plate etc, that should come out with the distributor, after the locking screw is removed and it is able to be removed from the head.
If I am way out there, I apologize... just trying to help.

CarlG · 07-10-2015, 09:17 AM

I have one of Bill Stipe's distributor puller that has been used several times on some really stubborn distributors. Works like a miracle.

Rowdy · 07-10-2015, 09:22 AM

The switch comes off of the cable easily if you have the key. I don't see any problem doing it. Be careful not to break the distributor housing. In the worst of circumstances I have pulled the head with the distributor still on the head, then used a deep well socket as a driver and removed the stuck distributor. Not easy, but do-able. Rod

Roadster Rich · 07-10-2015, 09:39 AM

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I think you have answered my question. Yes I can pull the distributor from the head without unhooking the pop-out cable. I know I must separate them if I am going to actually remove the distributor to work on it. Right now I just want to get it off so that I can remove the head (badly cracked) and see if the block has also cracked between pistons.

Thanks,

Charles Coe · 07-10-2015, 03:47 PM

Once you get it out of the head it's easy to screw it off the cable. But you can leave it on and tie it to a radiator rod to hold it out of the way.

07-10-2015, 07:42 AM	#1
Roadster Rich Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia (Atlanta) Posts: 272	Pulling Distributor I have seen many threads on questions like this but mine is pretty simple. I need to pull the cracked head off an engine. Is there any reason why I cannot pull the distributor with the pop-out cable staying attached and the condenser and bottom plate still in place? I have the set screw out and left it soaking in my ATF/Acetone in the set screw hole and around the head area. Tonight I pull the distributor and try to remove the head.

07-10-2015, 09:07 AM	#2
Charles Coe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pace, FL near Pensacola Posts: 374	Re: Pulling Distributor Yes, you can pull the dist. with the cable, condenser, etc. all in place.

07-10-2015, 09:13 AM	#3
jax55 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca Posts: 329	Re: Pulling Distributor I am not sure I understand what you are wanting to do. I "think" in order for you to pull the distributor with the pop out cable attached, you will have to pull it all through the firewall from the inside. Right? I guess if the lock can fit through the firewall that would work. As far as the bottom plate etc, that should come out with the distributor, after the locking screw is removed and it is able to be removed from the head. If I am way out there, I apologize... just trying to help.

07-10-2015, 09:17 AM	#4
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Pulling Distributor I have one of Bill Stipe's distributor puller that has been used several times on some really stubborn distributors. Works like a miracle. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

07-10-2015, 09:22 AM	#5
Rowdy BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gothenburg Nebraska Just off I-80 Posts: 4,893	Re: Pulling Distributor The switch comes off of the cable easily if you have the key. I don't see any problem doing it. Be careful not to break the distributor housing. In the worst of circumstances I have pulled the head with the distributor still on the head, then used a deep well socket as a driver and removed the stuck distributor. Not easy, but do-able. Rod __________________ Do the RIGHT thing - Support the H.A.M.B. Alliance!!!!

07-10-2015, 09:39 AM	#6
Roadster Rich Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia (Atlanta) Posts: 272	Re: Pulling Distributor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I think you have answered my question. Yes I can pull the distributor from the head without unhooking the pop-out cable. I know I must separate them if I am going to actually remove the distributor to work on it. Right now I just want to get it off so that I can remove the head (badly cracked) and see if the block has also cracked between pistons. Thanks,

07-10-2015, 03:47 PM	#7
Charles Coe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pace, FL near Pensacola Posts: 374	Re: Pulling Distributor Once you get it out of the head it's easy to screw it off the cable. But you can leave it on and tie it to a radiator rod to hold it out of the way.

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