I posted up about a Pertronix problem I thought I had. Turns out, the distributor/oil pump drive has ceased to function, and I'm in the middle of trying to figure out why.

After removing the securing nut, I can only get the distributor to come out maybe 3/8" and it stops. It won't go any further. Any ideas?

I REALLY want to avoid removing that timing chain cover it bolts to for several reasons, not the least of which is that it's parked in the yard, with dust & leaves blowing all around it. I don't have a puller to remove the crankshaft pulley, anyway.

Thanks for any insights, double thanks for any solution that doesn't involve removal of that cover.