Removing distributor - stuck in engine

SHARIPRANGE

MEMBER
1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2.0L
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

We have an oil leak at the distributor shaft. We are trying to remove the distributor to replace the o-ring. We removed the one bolt holding the dist on - it was a real fight to break it loose. The dist rotates easily side to side, but will not budge upward even a millimeter. Have you ever encountered this situation, and do you have any suggestions for getting the bugger out?

Thank you.

3 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

"PRODEMAND" SHOWS PUTTING THE ENGINE TO "TDC"/ MARKING THE POSITION OF THE ROTOR BUTTON. THEN REMOVING THE DISTRIBUTOR.

THE NEXT DIAGRAM SHOWN IS "INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR"

THIS DIAGRAM SHOW LINING UP 2 PINS

(MY TAKE ON THIS WOULD BE TO LINE THEM UP UPON REMOVAL TOO/ BUT THAT'S JUST ME)

MAYBE IT'S JUST THE O-RING BEING BONDED TO THE METAL, WD-40/ PENETRATING OIL/ ETC MIGHT HELP BREAK IT LOOSE. A STICK OF WOOD (MOP HANDLE/ ETC) OR THE GENTLE USE OF A PRY/ CROW BAR UNDER THE TOP END OF THE DISTRIBUTOR (WORKING IT GENTLY UP AND DOWN WHILE APPLYING THE WD-40 IN THE CIRCLE MIGHT BREAK IT LOOSE.

BELOW IS THE DIAGRAM FROM PRODEMAND FOR INSTALLATION.

LEMME KNOW HOW IT WORKS OUT

THE MEDIC

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