Upon inspection of the timing, it appears that my 95 cobra is way retarded, so upon attempting to advance the timing I encountered this issue. Loosened the hold down bolt, and the distributor will not budge at all. Sprayed some wd40 on it and kept twisting to no avail. Next day got some pb blaster and soaked it, couple love taps with a mallet, and it just barely moved, still soaking it every day but need a better method.
Distributor Frozen
- Thread starter Essn95
- Start date
How did you go about inspecting the timing? What method did you use?
There is an o-ring on the distributor to keep moisture out where it meets the block. Corrosion often builds as electrolysis between the iron block and aluminum housing takes place. If it were me I would mark the timing pointer inside the cap and attempt to remove the distributor, clean or replace then reinstall.
There is an o-ring on the distributor to keep moisture out where it meets the block. Corrosion often builds as electrolysis between the iron block and aluminum housing takes place. If it were me I would mark the timing pointer inside the cap and attempt to remove the distributor, clean or replace then reinstall.
- Mar 2, 2015
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There are a lot of factors in checking the timing on a stock engine.
The spout has to be removed ( little square plug hanging off the TFI harness. Also, factory harmonic balancers tend to slip a little bit over time. The rubber insulator between the center and outside of the balancer can do some funky stuff. It usually only shifts a couple of degrees if it moves at all.
I hate when those things seize up in the block. Talk about a PITA
The best advise I can give is to keep turning it back and forth. Eventually, it'll get loose....or break. Usually they don't break.
The spout has to be removed ( little square plug hanging off the TFI harness. Also, factory harmonic balancers tend to slip a little bit over time. The rubber insulator between the center and outside of the balancer can do some funky stuff. It usually only shifts a couple of degrees if it moves at all.
I hate when those things seize up in the block. Talk about a PITA
The best advise I can give is to keep turning it back and forth. Eventually, it'll get loose....or break. Usually they don't break.
mikestang63
SN Certified Technician
Strap wrench used for oil filters is an excellent idea, they also make different size metal ones, lots of blaster and even more patience workong it back and forth.
Yea inspect the balancer, they're usually toast.
