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David · Guest

I need to remove the distributor on my 16V Sportwagon to get access to the leaking clutch slave cylinder but it seems to be stuck! Is there an easy way to get it free? I have removed the bolt from the retaining plate and it moves from side to side very stiffly (is that a real word?).
Any help would be appreciated. I am a bit scared of breaking the damn thing!!

Chris Notsis · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2003 2:37 pm Post subject: stuck distributor

This is quite common. SInce you have radial movement you are part of the way there. Use a penetrating spray (WD40, CRC etc). Spray quite a bit around the base and ring then rotated and pull the unit. If it moves up a bit, then push it back down, add more spray and repeat the process. It WILL come out! Once out, wipe the unit and hole clean. Rubbing some graphite on the hole surface and distributor stem can help re-installation and subsequent adjustment.
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Chris Notsis

RBL · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2003 11:27 am Post subject:

Hi Chris, Regarding the graphite, I'm just about to refit my distributor so this would help. Is this the same as a lead pencil - would that work, or do you need special stuff?

Chris Notsis · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2003 12:09 pm Post subject: Graphite

A so-called 'lead pencil' contains a fair degree of graphite, more so if it is a 3B, 4B or 6B. Sure, any one of these softer pencils will do the job. Pure graphite, however, available as a powder in a squeeze bottle, would be ideal and can be used for other applications. Worth having in a tool box.
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Chris Notsis

RBL · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2003 1:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks Chris, I'll get some.