Hey Friends,

i have a no spark issue on my 1981 f150 4.9L inline 6.

Im working to change the distributor pickup coil. I don't have all that much experience with the distributor itself, I'm learning as I go.

Ive changed the ignition coil, the distributor cap, spark plugs and wires, and the ignition control module.

Im stuck at the reluctor wheel and getting it off so I can change the coil. There is a tiny roll pin that seems to be holding the wheel from free rotation. I'm unsure if this needs to come out in order to take the wheel off. There is a small metal lip that also seems to be stopping the wheel from coming up.

Do I need to remove the entire distributor? Im really hoping not.

Any advice would be helpful, this is an awesome truck and I am moving in a few weeks, would love to get spark before then

Ive tried to attach photos but unfortunately i cant. will email if you can help
thanks kindly!

Removing the vacuum advance, you should be able to take a few screw drivers and gently pry up evenly on the wheel against the distributor body. It’s just a pinch fit. The circlip then removed the pick up should slide off the plates shoulder..