MG Car Repair: 74 MGB- I cant remove the distributor

Question
Hi Barrie,

I have removed the bolts securing the distributor in a 74 MGB that I'm trying to get running.
Does the engine have to be at TDC for the distributer to come out?
It won't turn or budge at all.
Since half of the distributor is missing I'm going to replace it with a new electronic ignition distributor.
I'm trying to do the work on my own but am somewhat mechanically-challenged.  But I'm learning.
Any advice for how to remove the distributor would be much appreciated!

Ben Fluno
Dallas, TX

Answer
Hi Ben.

The distributor on an MGB is only held in place by a clamp plate (item #19 in this diagram):

http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29062

I presume that you have removed the two small bolts holding the clamp plate to the block.  

The distributor has nothing else holding it so it should rotate and it should pull out.  They do sometimes stick with corrosion because the block is cast iron and the distributor is an aluminium alloy.  

Since you intend to replace the entire distributor with a new one, you can safely hit the side of the distributor with a rod such as an old screwdriver in order to get it moving.  Once it is moving, pull with a twisting motion and it should come out with the clamp plate still attached to it.  

I recommend that you fit the new distributor with a new clamp plate, because the old plate will have distorted over the years.

The old distributor will come out in any position, but you must align the new one correctly when you insert it.  Get back to me if you need advice on that.