Need Help Removing Distributor from 2.9L

masterelyt · Oct 28, 2011

I've looked all over the place and can't find out how to remove the distributor... took the cap and rotor off and I'm unable to locate any sort of bolt or bracket that holds the distributor to the block, can anyone point me in the right direction?

chrwilkins30 · Oct 28, 2011

there is a bolt that holds it down at the bottom of the distributor where it goes into the block.

adsm08 · Oct 28, 2011

Lay up on top of the intake, reach back around and grab the stem and follow it around to the bottom at the back. Feel around for the bolts. I'll go flip over my old engine and take pics in the morning when it's light out.

fastpakr · Oct 28, 2011

Single bolt to the side of the base of the distributor holds it down with a metal clamp. Pain to do, you might be better off grabbing one of the wrenches built for the task that should be available at your nearest parts store.

adsm08 · Oct 28, 2011

I find a 1/4 ratchet with a 1/2" shallow socket on it to be very very effective.

But then, my hands are small enough to fit back there pretty easily.

88_Eddie · Oct 28, 2011

i used a 13mm box wrench to get mine out. not a lot of space back there

masterelyt · Oct 28, 2011

Thanks everyone for the replies. Doesn't seem like there's a lot of room back there but tomorrow once it's light out I'll have a go at getting to this bolt. I work at Lordco so if push comes to shove I'll just grab the tool from there!

adsm08 · Oct 29, 2011

I found the tool to be pretty crappy. I was never able to get enough leverage with it.

Some guys I know just take the upper intake off. I like to just take the cap off and finagle it out.

lil_Blue_Ford · Oct 29, 2011

I used a 1/4" ratchet and a shallow socket. Had to work by feel while being on top of the motor. Took a little bit of searching for mine, it was buried under a bunch of oily sludge.

I swear one of these days that I get a concrete slab to work on, I'm going to either buy or make one of those overhead creepers so I don't have to try to lay on top the engine anymore.

papperbob1 · Nov 3, 2016

Use a short 1/2" open end wrench 5 or 6" long is best

I use a short 1/2" open end wrench, 5 or 6" long is best. Work from the drivers side fender with someone holding up the hood if possible. The reason for someone holding up the hood for you is because the metal hood hold up rod prop is in your way. By doing this you will be able to lean over more into the engine compartment to reach the bolt. The distributor hold down bolt is directly behind the distributor at the very base of distributor at the engine block.

JerryC · Nov 4, 2016

I used a six point snap-on 1/4 drive flex socket to get it loose. I had to order it, nothing I had would do it. It was on there tight, any wrench small enough wouldn't provide enough leverage. Everything else I had was either too tall or too wide.

While doing it I made a note to punch whoever thought up the idea to put the distributor in the back of an engine.

Need Help Removing Distributor from 2.9L

masterelyt

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chrwilkins30

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adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey

fastpakr

Forum Staff Member

adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey

88_Eddie

Well-Known Member

masterelyt

New Member

adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey

lil_Blue_Ford

Well-Known Member

papperbob1

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JerryC

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