Please help, Distributor removal, 91 Caprice

I am replacing the pickup coil on a 1991 Caprice. I've got the distro ready to remove, but there isn't enough room to remove it. It seems that my only option is to pull the engine to get it out. Is it really my only option? Please help, this is my only running automobile and I badly need it back on the road.

Make a mark on the base and the distributor. Use white out and mark the rotor and base of distributor. Remove the cap and wires. You should have room to remove it. If you still have a problem give exact size of your motor.
Once it moves upward and comes out of the drive gear you have some room.

It is a 305, I have the distributor positions marked, hold down clamp removed, I've tried to pull the distributor straight up and the firewall is directly over the top of the distro shaft. I've tried pulling it straight up until the gears disengage then pulling to the left, right, and front, but the shaft is just too long. Didn't know if anyone else had done the repair before.


Thanks,
Eric

Did you take the cap off?

I've pulled the distributor a few times on a 305 it is close but they always came right out. You can always pull the motor mounts and lower the engine slightly.
Remember the distributor cap has to be removed.

Um, yes, I did remove the cap, and rotor. But I guess I'll have to try lowering the engine to get it off.


Thanks

You should be able to tip it forward, towards the front of the car, to get it out. Raise it as far as you can and try tilting it before you do anything drastic.

i know it's tight due to the 91 - 93 body style, when we replaced the eng,(305cid ) the distributor was replaced on the stand and then installed in the car. i will look in the manual for more infromation for you tuse am. on the pre 91 cars it's a more or less a straight lift out of the eng.

my 91 caprice service manual on page 6d4-5 & 6. Disitributor with separate coil, remove or disconect. 1.neg(-) battery cable 2.plug wires 3.cap (note the rotor pos). 4. disitributor clamp bolt and hold down clamp 5. disitributor -note rotation of rotor as disitributor is pulled up and mark the final position. -Tilt disitributor towards driver's side of vehicle and pull out. On page 6 for a HEI Module it is not necessary to remove the disitributor from the vehicle. Pick-up Coil removal is required. Hope this helps you out. 463