Distributor Shaft Question

[BILLF/TRF]

My original purpose in removing the engine from my '31 Tudor was to repaint the engine. But as suggested on this forum, I thought I should check my mains and rod bearing clearances while the engine is out but need to get at the nut behind the oil pump distributor dirve gear spring. I have a two piece distributor shaft. The upper shaft came out with the distributor but the lower shaft did not and is blocking that nut. Is there something holding it in or is it just stuck in the drive gear sleeve? How do you suggest getting it out and also how much "slop" should I have in the distributor shaft? Thanks.

 

[J Franklin]

Try a strong magnet on a shaft. if it is rusted use some PB blaster or Kroil.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Since the side cover is off I'd pinch the shaft with a pliers or Vice Grip and leverage it against the drive gear housing to see if it won't lift up. Hopefully you can lift the spring out of the way. If the spring has any rust pits be sure to replace it, which means you could just cut it out of the way.

 

[columbiA]

Stick two thin screw drivers down dist hole into shaft slot & push handles together & shaft should be gripped tight enuff to lift out. If not,then try a C-clamp style valve spring compresser to lift the hold-down spring enough to clamp a vice-grip on the shaft to wiggle it loose.Very often on a high milage engine the tang on the dist drive is badly worn as well as the gear & should be replaced.