Just took out the distributor today and when we tried to turn it by hand, it was very hard to turn. In my buddies truck, his turned easily with no stiffness at all. Its a non-HEI distributor. So do i need a new one??? Is this normal?? I really have no idea whats wrong.

 

I'd try cleaning it up with some brake cleaner or something, and make sure the bottom of the distributor (by the gear) isn't gunked up with oil sludge. If that doesn't help, the shaft may be binding up in the housing.

If you can't get it spinning freely (should take very little effort to turn) get rid of it. I bought a complete distributor for 40 bucks at the junkyard last week...

Hellraiser