Removing distributor - stuck in engine

1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
200,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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SHARIPRANGE
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We have an oil leak at the distributor shaft. We are trying to remove the distributor to replace the o-ring. We removed the one bolt holding the dist on - it was a real fight to break it loose. The dist rotates easily side to side, but will not budge upward even a millimeter. Have you ever encountered this situation, and do you have any suggestions for getting the bugger out?

Thank you.
Dec 11, 2015 at 3:30 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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"PRODEMAND" SHOWS PUTTING THE ENGINE TO "TDC"/ MARKING THE POSITION OF THE ROTOR BUTTON. THEN REMOVING THE DISTRIBUTOR.

THE NEXT DIAGRAM SHOWN IS "INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR"

THIS DIAGRAM SHOW LINING UP 2 PINS

(MY TAKE ON THIS WOULD BE TO LINE THEM UP UPON REMOVAL TOO/ BUT THAT'S JUST ME)

MAYBE IT'S JUST THE O-RING BEING BONDED TO THE METAL, WD-40/ PENETRATING OIL/ ETC MIGHT HELP BREAK IT LOOSE. A STICK OF WOOD (MOP HANDLE/ ETC) OR THE GENTLE USE OF A PRY/ CROW BAR UNDER THE TOP END OF THE DISTRIBUTOR (WORKING IT GENTLY UP AND DOWN WHILE APPLYING THE WD-40 IN THE CIRCLE MIGHT BREAK IT LOOSE.

BELOW IS THE DIAGRAM FROM PRODEMAND FOR INSTALLATION.

LEMME KNOW HOW IT WORKS OUT

THE MEDIC
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Dec 11, 2015 at 9:39 PM
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SHARIPRANGE
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Yes, we were soaking it in penetrating oil. Finally got it out with some encouragement from a crowbar. Sheesh! Thanks.
Dec 12, 2015 at 1:46 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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GLAD YOU GOT IT OUT!

HOPE YOU GOT IT ALL FIXED UP NOW!

THE MEDIC
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Dec 12, 2015 at 2:38 PM