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[Allanfox]

A simple job of replacing the paper gasket between the distributor and crankcase has wound up with my extractor wrecking the end of the distributor shaft (are they really made of cheese?) So new one on order and ready to fix it except i can't see how to remove the auto advance and retard unit? Nothing in the manual and nothing in Pete Snidal's book. I have ordered anew shaft and need to move my auto unit across onto it. Based on just wrecking my old shaft I am treading carefully and don't want to damage the unit, and advice much appreciated on how to remove it!!

[Bullet Whisperer]

It fits into a taper. Remove the bolt through the centre and fit a larger bolt into the threads which will be visible in the end once the securing bolt is removed. You can either use this second, larger bolt as an extractor by screwing it right in in, or just screw it in a few turns and tap it sideways with a small hammer and it will release the auto advance unit from the tapered hole in the distributor shaft.

[Allanfox]

It fits into a taper. Remove the bolt through the centre and fit a larger bolt into the threads which will be visible in the end once the securing bolt is removed. You can either use this second, larger bolt as an extractor by screwing it right in in, or just screw it in a few turns and tap it sideways with a small hammer and it will release the auto advance unit from the tapered hole in the distributor shaft.

Thankyou, of course worked a treat! Just being cautious as believe these are not currently available and my gasket change has become enough hassle!