I am trying to get the distributor our of my 351 Cleveland, but it is stuck. I have twisted and pulled with all my might but she just won't budge. Any suggestions?
Try spraying some liquid wrench, WD 40, LPS, on it and letting it sit for a while.
give the housing a few safe taps with a hammer or?
or even renting a three armed puller with a slide hammer from your local parts store. like a steering wheel hub puller.
If that doesnt help, I dont know what will
The base of the distributor has corroded to the block (iron + aluminum + water = problems). Water collects in the depression around the distributor base and gets between the distrbutor and engine block, oxidizes both materials and causes this bind. Try the chemicals mentioned in the post above, as well as heat applied around the base of the distributor. Be gentle so you don't kill the distributor housing. Before you re-install it, clean the inner part of the block hole and the outside of the distributor base, and use assembly lube or anti-seize on the outside of the distributor where it meets the block.
I had the same problem not long ago. I soaked in in WD-40 as mentioned, then I used a hammer and a brass rod and tapped it around the base a few times. The brass is easier on the housing ! That got mine out.
Be careful using too much force. Bump the starter a few times and try again before getting out the big hammer. These things just want to act like the wife every once in a while.
I encountered the same problem in my 351c. Unfortunately after soaking it in PB Blaster and trying the bump starter/ hammer techiniques I got anxious.
Out comes the engine hoist. Sure, it didn't come out in one piece, but it sure as hell came out. Luckily I had the Mallory ready to drop in it's place 6 months later when I had the motor back from the machine shop.....
Had the same problem--after driving the car all the way across the country with the timing off I made it home. Once home, I got out a hammer and lightly tapped by the vacuum advance housing to get the distributor broke free. Once it started turning, it popped right out, it just needed a little pursuasion...