I'm having major issues getting this pin out. The pin is the one at the bottom of the distributor shaft, the one you need to remove to get drive gear off. I've used a nail punch and tried to get it out but to no avail. It's getting to the point where I am damaging the roll pin. Unfortunately part of the nail punch got stuck inthe opening and actually broke off, causing part of it to be stuck inside the roll pin. Definately not good.

Is it supposed to be this difficult to remove the roll pin?

 

It's pretty easy if you use the right tool for the job. You need a pin punch, not a nail set.

 

3/16" IIRC. It'll be tight, and that's a good thing. You'll probably want to buy another one to replace the mangled one you'll be removing.

 

The punch I was using was one exactly shown in the first few pictures on this page:
http://members.shaw.ca/crussel/hei/HEIrebuild.html

 

If it broke off, it might not have been long enough before it started to taper.

The roll pin will come out easily with a few taps of moderate force. If your punch isn't long enough, just push it out enough to grab it with pliers and pull it out. A new pin can be had for a few cents, so there's no need to worry about damaging it, just replace it if it gets mangled.

 

After trying for about 15 minutes, it's not even budging at all. I soaked it in some fliud that is supposed to release stuck parts, kinda like rust eater stuff, and that didn't work at all.

Given it's the original distributor, think maybe it has just gotten so much grime and stuff inside that it's stuck forever?

 

will come right out if you use a drift. Those who try to do a job without the proper tools will struggle

 

Hammer it harder. Drill it out if you give up. That tool should work just fine.

 

still no luck whatsoever. So not only is there some mysterious problem with my car that causes it not to start, but now the distributor refuses to cooperate either.

 

heat it...use either a propane torch or oxy/acetelene. you can heat it up lightly and while its still hot you can punch it, it will fall right out. make sure when you heat it, you lightly heat the area around the pin, not just the pin or the pin will heat up with the body and be a waste of time. as far as strength goes...that gear is hardened and tempered...a few hundred degrees will not damage it if you go lightly.

 

Try going at it from the other side. If you broke a piece off in the pin it will act like a wedge and oly cause the pin to try and expand and not drift out.

 

tried goin at it from the other side and that didn't work either. I decided to replace the whole thing, which might be the best thing since I am having major issues getting my car started.