UKPOC forums

1995 Ford Probe 2L 16v.
The mechanic is having great problems removing the distributor, which is siezed in place, he has removed cam cover, which doesn't seem to have helped and is now talking about having to removing cam shaft and replace belt, water pump etc. Also appears to have two plugs baked in with oil puddles in seatings. Does anyone have any advice, please, that may help him. I'm still laid up with my leg problem, and may be for a while, incurred during the breakdown, so he is not rushing to get it fixed at the moment. Thank you.

That seems to be a bit over top top just to remove the dizzy,
I never changed one on a 16v but only 24v's even then when it wouldn't pull out I've just gave it a gentle tap with my leather hammer.
Sound like the rocker cover gasket needs changing it 2 plugs have oil in, remove the plugs as normal then fit new gasket

Duncan may have more experience on the 16v than me

Daft question and sorry to ask the mechanic has taken all the bolts out of the dizzy

A simple job & a mechanic can’t sort it
Mark the position of the dizzy, set to TDC
Has he removed the 2no. Bolts that locate the the dizzy
Apply release agent where the dizzy enter the head
Tap the dizzy round to release
Then it should pull out
Easy




You have no need to take out the camshaft
& I don’t think you can! With out removing the dizzy first

Kit

Thank you for the quick replies, The gasket/sealant was in a bad state, when he showed me a photo. I know he'd put releasant on it and left it for a while to penetrate. I'll have a word with him tomorrow and tell him what you said.I'll try and get a look myself as well. Thanks again.

Eric,
Please remember that I cannot guarantee that the dizzy I sent you works, I hope you have mentioned that the the garage.

Still waiting for mechanic to fit me in, as he couldn't easily remove the distributor. I've had a quick look, and can see a narrow shaft, unlike Kit's picture, which appears to go from the outside to inside the engine block. It looks like the wider part with the 'O' ring is siezed in the block.

eric56m wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 11, 2022 11:26 pm

Still waiting for mechanic to fit me in, as he couldn't easily remove the distributor. I've had a quick look, and can see a narrow shaft, unlike Kit's picture, which appears to go from the outside to inside the engine block. It looks like the wider part with the 'O' ring is siezed in the block.

Knocking the dizzy body ‘round’ should free it

Kit

Kit wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 12, 2022 11:55 am

eric56m wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 11, 2022 11:26 pm

Still waiting for mechanic to fit me in, as he couldn't easily remove the distributor. I've had a quick look, and can see a narrow shaft, unlike Kit's picture, which appears to go from the outside to inside the engine block. It looks like the wider part with the 'O' ring is siezed in the block.

Knocking the dizzy body ‘round’ should free it

Kit

As said tap round with a leather /rubber mallet its only the rubber seal and corrosion that
can hold it in

Just had another look, it appears to me as though the part of the casting of the distributor that goes into the block has sheared off, as the narrow shaft can be seen, and moved backwards and forwards in and out of the block.My phone is playing up so I can't send pictures or video, My son is going to try from his phone, but too dark now to try.

Photos