I am doing a distributor overhaul on my 1988 XJS. I took off the distributor cap and tried to move the rotor but it won't budge. It is really stuck. I tried pushing down on one end with one hand and lifting on the other end with the other hand and it barely moves. I need to get it out to do the overhaul. Someone said I may have to break it off with a chisel. Your advice and counsel would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
John jsalla007atgmail.com

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Fri, 06/18/2010 - 22:56

before trying anything destructive may I suggest this. With a good hairdryer, warm up the rotor then using a long thin screwdriver wiggle it in betwen the rotor and the steel shaft, you can turn the engine to get at the opposite side, do this bit by bit and it will come off. When you pull up on it, get your fingers in close to the centre and use a tool to hold the lower shaft in place as ,if it comes up too high it will disengage the springs from the advance weights. I have never had to cut one off and I would not use any kind of impact force on the shaft!

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Fri, 06/18/2010 - 11:21

Been there. Your chisel will likely be the solution. Don't hammer downwards on the shaft, though ! Go in from the side and use a really sharp chisel so as to minimize the force required. I sorta "shave" the plastic until enough has been removed to weaken the entire piece.

A Dremel tool with a tiny cutting wheel would be even better.

Cheers
DD