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1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!!

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Adam in GA

11-30-2006 17:40:07

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I need help!! I have a new distributor and the removal and reinstall manual, but when I get the #1 spark plug on the compression stroke and continue turn over until flywheel is aligned with the pointer on the bell housing at 4 degrees I still can't budge the distributor!!! What do I do????? ???

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Adam in GA

12-01-2006 18:52:36

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

Thank all of you for your advice and expertise on the newly discovered 1952 8n!!!! I will definitely use these great tips during the hopeful removal of the distributor!! I'll update ya'll on the progress! By the way, I'm in Southeast GA(Camden County), but I really appreciate the offer though! Thanks again everyone!!!!! !!!!!

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Dunk....Drunk

12-01-2006 18:00:28

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

I tell ye, when I started reading this topic I was confused!!

I am shore glad that yall got it figgered out that this was a 52 8N!!

That said...

Heat, and old iron are friends when used with respect.

An old blacksmith term is putting the heat back in the metal. (I still have my grandaddy's forge blower, vice, anvil, and tongs)

I won't ever fergit that, heat can make old metal brand new, well nearly.

I usually use an oxy - propane torch these days.

Yer distributor suffers from too many years out in the weather, and never being worked on, or moved, these old tractors love being taken apart and put back together once in a while, don't wait 40 years.

The advise about the plumbers propane torch, and heating the block where the shaft enters is about the only choice you have.

If that don't work, you may need more heat than that can provide, but other than breaking your distributor, that is about the only choice you have from what I read, if it is stuck like you say.

Cast iron can stand plenty of heat, but make sure it is even, and slow.

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FarmerDawn

12-01-2006 06:37:21

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

You've already got all the advice I might have thought to offer, and more to boot. (No surprise, as these guys know pretty darn near everything!) But I would add that PB Blaster, over and over, and the heat from a little plumber's torch, and patience work more wonders than you can possibly imagine. I started my rebuild (still in the tearing-down stage) trying to get off four crappy bolts holding a loader frame to the rear axle, and I was sure they were on there for eternity. But the heat, PB Blaster, and patience -- over and over -- really did the trick. Even when it's not corroded, the distributor is a little hard to work free, so I can imagine what it must be like now. Consider this post simple reassurance. And lay in some of your favorite celebratory "stuff" (mine is chocolate, but the board's favorite seems to involve malt) for when the thing lets loose. It feels SO GREAT! --Dawn

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Bob

12-01-2006 21:57:39

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to FarmerDawn, 12-01-2006 06:37:21

Dunkster,

The 8N side-mount distributor inserts into the aluminum timing cover, NOT into the cast-iron engine block, as you seem to think it does.

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Dunk

12-02-2006 08:23:33

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Bob, 12-01-2006 21:57:39

Bob, as you already know you are 100% correct!!

I must have had Funk on my mind...err somethin...

Heck, I didn't even remember posting that..LOL

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Bob

12-01-2006 21:57:34

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to FarmerDawn, 12-01-2006 06:37:21

Dunkster,

The 8N side-mount distributor inserts into the aluminum timing cover, NOT into the cast-iron engine block, as you seem to think it does.

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ZANE

12-01-2006 05:10:59

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

As Bob said, "a little heat will loosen it"

Use something like a propane torch and heat the area around the timing cover where it is stuck.

Aluminum expands rapidly and if you will have a big pair of pliers already clamped down on the distributor while you are heating it will come loose quicker that you might think.

Piece of cake!

Zane

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Farmer(Ga)

11-30-2006 19:29:23

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

Adam, Where are you in Ga? I'm in west Ga(troup county) and if you are fairly close i'll be glad to give you a hand, I dont know much but what i do know i learned from this board, Great board and a bunch of great people. James

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ron,ar

11-30-2006 19:58:09

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Farmer(Ga), 11-30-2006 19:29:23

hey James, you get your sheet metal back for the fergy yet?

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Farmer(Ga)

11-30-2006 20:23:50

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to ron,ar, 11-30-2006 19:58:09

Hi Ron, yes i got it back last week and i was really disipointed, The outside looked great but the underside was just painted and not sanded, I was so mad about it i just paid them and left, I told them that the hood lifts up and the underside would be seen but i'm old and cripple so i let them get away with it. James

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ron,ar

11-30-2006 21:00:43

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Farmer(Ga), 11-30-2006 20:23:50

Man, I hate that, there is no excuse for poor work, but it seems like it is the norm nowdays.

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ron,ar

11-30-2006 19:15:00

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

Well, you said you have a manual so you know that a bold holds it into the front cover. Remove the bolt, soak it in a really good penetrant such as PB-blaster. If after an overnight soaking it will not budge, try to rotate it in its mount by grasping the dist housing with large channellock pliers. Don't get too forceful...yet, it is aluminun and will break if forced. You may take a brass drift pin (large) and try to rotate it by striking it in a sideways manner. Place the drift close to the base, not up at the large area where it is thin. Again, don't get too rough with it..yet. If you ever get it to move either way keep using penetrant and rotating it back and forth while lifting at the same time. You may have to resort to a slide hammer rigged up on it also, but that is a last resort. If this does not work you may end up breaking it and removing it in pieces, not a fun task. Good luck and be careful

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Jetman8N

11-30-2006 19:10:12

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

Take a deep breath. The reason the distributor doesn't wish to move is the aluminum is corroded and has become one with the front cover.
Align the timing marks on the flywheel as you talked about. Remove the bolt holding the distributor in place (one half inch wrench). Twist the distributor body (the actual rotor and shaft will not move. As you move the body back and forth pull gently. The distributor will move out slowly. Spray some PB Blaster or WD-40 on the body at the interface as you pull.
It will come out. Make sure you keep in mind where the rotor is pointed as you pull it.
Once out, oil and clean up the front cover hole.
Insert the new distributor, starting with the rotor aligned offset to where it is supposed to be in the direction of the gear slant. The rotor will turn as the distributor seats. If it is not aligned (once the body has seated) as the one you took out, remove it and move the rotor in the right direction. Once installed make sure the mounting plate slot has enough free motion to allow timing it. You are ready to either static time it or start it and use a timing light.
Good luck

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Adam in GA

11-30-2006 18:48:27

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

Ok!! I'm new to the 8N and took for granted the sellers inexperience as well as my own!!! Did the research and figured out by the serial # it is indeed a 1952 Ford 8n!!! Thanks for iniating that clarifacation!!Now, I still am not able to get the old distributor out!! Any ideas or pointers???

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old

11-30-2006 19:09:23

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 18:48:27

Some times a little tapping with a hammer will help loosen one up, but be careful not to hit it to hard or you will be replaceing more then just the distubutor. Also getting hold of it with something and turning it a little side to side will help.

Hobby farm

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Bob

11-30-2006 18:50:58

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 18:48:27

I have already told you it's stuck, and given you about the only options available to unstick it.

There's not much more that can be said!

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Rod From IL

11-30-2006 18:28:12

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

MMM I think you need to get some Pic"s for post your Serial # or both. I Daisy ( My 1948 Front mount 8N) sitting out my window ( under the front porch awning) and its Distributor is far from a side mount.

Good Luck
Rod

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Adam in GA

11-30-2006 18:17:12

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Re: side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

Oh okay I do remember reading that about the serial #! Well, I'm pretty sure it's a side mount and I've tried the slowly adjusting the flywheel in both directions and still can't get the old one to move!!! Thanks for your speedy replies!! I'm a little scared of the heat trick I must say!!

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Bruce (VA)

11-30-2006 17:49:00

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

If you have a 1948 N, it does not have a side distributor. That might be your problem. If you have an N after s/n 263843, just turn the flywheel a little more & the distributor shaft will slip in.

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Bob

11-30-2006 17:44:51

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Adam in GA, 11-30-2006 17:40:07

The aluminum distributor is stuck in the aluminum front cover.

Aligning the timing marks has NOTHING to do with it being loose and coming out.

Lots of loosen juice, and perhaps some CAREFULLY applied heat will loosen it up, sooner or later.

Good Luck! You're gonna need it!

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Bob

11-30-2006 17:46:11

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Re: 1948 side mount distributor removal!!!!!!! in reply to Bob, 11-30-2006 17:44:51

P.S....

SOMETHING's not OEM, as a 1948 would not have a side-mount distributor.

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