Merc Distributor Gear Removal
 

Is there an easy way to remove the split pin that holds the cam gear onto a Merc/GM distributor shaft? I've tried tapping it with a small hammer and nail on the pin but it doesn't want to move. I'm nervous about whacking it very hard and damaging the shaft, even with it mounted in a vice-

you need this you might be able to cut the point off the nail if you use a 3'' sinker nail:party-smiley-004:

c,
Put the distributor on your bench with the gear sitting on a piece of wood. Get a hammer and the proper punch (not a nail) and it will come out.

Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

Ditto, just a roll pin, the nail has pointed head so wedges it tighter, you need a flat nosed drift of the correct size and will come right out. Could grind a flat on the end of the nail too maybe in pinch, but drift is the way to go if you can.

Thanks-
 

The pointed nail wedging the pin makes perfect sense. I've a couple/few punches, don't know why that didn't occur to me-
Thanks again-

mine took a pretty good wack to get started

Even using the right size machine screw with a hammer will work.

The point behing using a "drift" is the material the tool is made from transfers the force from the hammer more directly to the pin and dosen't absorb the force like a nail does. Nails are very soft steel. Drifts are hard tool steel. Big difference.