Setting the dwell on a 1972 mustang

I own a 1972 mustang 351 c 2-v V8. Been trying to set the dwell. Have a reading of 44 on the dwell angle. Need to get between 24-29. Got the hold down bolt loose but cannot rotate distributor shaft. Seems to be 40 years of rust holding it. Sprayed with bust rust. No luck. Any tips , tricks or tools I can use to loosen this up ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by chet

I own a 1972 mustang 351 c 2-v V8. Been trying to set the dwell. Have a reading of 44 on the dwell angle. Need to get between 24-29. Got the hold down bolt loose but cannot rotate distributor shaft. Seems to be 40 years of rust holding it. Sprayed with bust rust. No luck. Any tips , tricks or tools I can use to loosen this up ?

if you are referring to a stuck distributor then try using an oil filter wrench. it is probably varnished up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chet

I own a 1972 mustang 351 c 2-v V8. Been trying to set the dwell. Have a reading of 44 on the dwell angle. Need to get between 24-29. Got the hold down bolt loose but cannot rotate distributor shaft. Seems to be 40 years of rust holding it. Sprayed with bust rust. No luck. Any tips , tricks or tools I can use to loosen this up ?

It's been a few years since I've messed with a point ignition, but I thought the "dwell" was adjusted by changing the point gap. Rotating the distributor changes the timing.
Set dwell/point gap first and then set timing.
Correct me if I'm wrong as it has been a while.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hopeto1

It's been a few years since I've messed with a point ignition, but I thought the "dwell" was adjusted by changing the point gap. Rotating the distributor changes the timing.
Set dwell/point gap first and then set timing.
Correct me if I'm wrong as it has been a while.

you are correct. but to get it right he will have to adjust the timing and apparently the dizzy is stuck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlite65

if you are referring to a stuck distributor then try using an oil filter wrench. it is probably varnished up.

Yes, I am referring to a stuck distributor. Posted last night around midnight, brain was a little fuzzy by then. Did try an oil filter wrench after spraying with rust bust last night. No luck.
Will try filter wrench again later this afternoon, hopefully spray has time to penetrate.
Thanks for the reply.