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I went to adjust the timing and found that I could not rotate the distributor. Even after soaking with penetrating oil for several days I am still not able to rotate it. I have owned the truck since 1984 and have never had a reason to adjust the timing. Has anybody encountered this problem and does anybody have any suggestions about how to free the distributor without damage.

is there anyway to put a oil filter wrench on it

You did loosen the bolt on the clamp that hold the housing in place on the block? The one that must be loosened to adjust the timing.

simple... but that was my thought also

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My old but now gone Luv...

Figuring that the bolt is loose, I like the oil filter wrench idea. That's a good one.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

Thanks for the tips. I guess it is not usual for the distributor to become frozen in the block-I was hoping someone would say they had a similar problem and tell me how they dealt with it.Unfortunately, I did loosen the bolt so that isn't the problem. I tried an oil filter wrench that I have for diesel engines. It has a strap and you use a rachet to tighten and turn it. That didn't work. I also have numerous standard automotive type oil filter wrenches but the the one that fits is not strong enough to break it loose.
The good news is that I just confirmed that the vacuum diaphragm is leaking. Found a replacement part for $25. Anybody know of one for less? Now I need to find out if I can replace the vacuum diaphragm without removing the distributor. Any advice on that?
Thanks for your thoughts.

I would try penetrating oil at distributer base and then some mild heat by a propane torch on front cover at area around distributer. You need to expand that area to be able to free distributer as it is probably corroded in. use your strap wrench after doing this. You can change vaccum advance without taking out distributer. 1 screw on the side (this screw usually has condenser mounted to it also), and 1 circlip on advance arm and it should slide out.

Old Ford 390's were known for this problem. My friend ended up braking the dist. to get it out. He was rebuilding the eng. anyway, so debris wasn't a problem.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?