[01-07, 02:48] Patrick Samuels Anyone out there know the best way to free up a stuck distributor on a 1970 455 442. Need to adjust the timing for the altitude in Denver.

 

Pipe wrench, vice grips, strap wrench, etc., etc. Dissimilar metals corrode and bond to one another. Spray some sort of penetrant (Liquid Wrench, WD-40) around the base and let it soak in for a day. Then apply the wrench and use small movements back and forth until it moves. At the point continue the small movements until it moves freely. If you've ever removed a busted bolt then you know the procedure.

 

Follow the advice given with a large amount of patience so that you do not break the distributor housing. If you apply the penetrating oil at the base of the distributor when the engine is warm, not hot, it will be drawn in better as the engine cools similar to how solder gets wicked in on a copper pipe fitting as it cools. After several days of soaking the distributor tap instead of pulling on whatever wrench is used. Maybe a rubber strap wrench would work around the distributor with the cap removed.

If you are still running points, the timing could be adjusted by changing the point gap/dwell as a temporary measure.

 

I have to ask, have loosened the hold bolt?