Hi all,

I thought I’d give an update to this issue.

I was able to free the distributor by breaking the rules, by turning the V12 engine backwards a 1/5 turn via the engine crank nut. Soon as the engine move anticlockwise, the distributor just popped out no problem.

I then obtained another distributor and fitted everything back together. Slight challenge was now encountered due to the position (rotation) of the distributor being incorrect…. because I’d rotated the engine after initially marking the rotor arm position.

Before I could work on the timing, the engine jammed again – sure not the distributor yet again….

Nope, the distributor lifted out easily but the engine remained jammed – the starter motor just clicking and not motion.

It would appear that my issue now, and possibly all along, is the starter motor. I’m not looking forward to removing that huge and almost totally inaccessible object, but needs must as I’ve tried every other way to get the engine to start but the starter just sits there clicking at me.

I’ll update when I have more information after tackling the Starter Motor.

Laurence