Distributor Drive Pinion 36 HP

[Stitch59]

Rebuilding my engine, at the step where I put in the distributor drive pinion, and it is stuck with the top of the of the drive pinion about an inch deep to the opening.

I put the bearing in first with bearing grease, made sure it was seated properly, then lubed the drive pinion and started it in, parallel to the pulley with the narrow side towards the pulley. It went in to where it is now stuck. I'm assuming I need to get it out and start again, but how do I accomplish this without splitting the case? I'm not splitting the case again!

[tasb]

You can access the drive pinion through the hole for the fuel pump easily move the gear up, down and rotate it with your fingers.
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Roads Scholar & distributor restorations
1956 oval third owner 36 hp
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equiped M 178
1960 sunroof beetle owned since 1991 36 hp
1965 hrdtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

[Stitch59]

Doesn't move, up down or rotate. I'm tried using leverage to push it out through the fuel pump hole and it is stuck.

[wayne1230cars]

I have found that to remove the distributor drive it helps to slightly turn the drive counter-clock wise at the same time as you are pushing it up through the fuel pump access hole. To install, turn clock-wise as you push down. A little oil might help to lubricate. I did this on an assembled 36 hp engine as the drive gear had been installed 180 degrees out and I figured by correcting it that this might save the next owner some confusion come tuneup time. Your drive may be slightly wedged in the bore so try turning and pushing it at the same time.
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1960 beetle
1970 beetle convertible

[Stitch59]

At this point I think I'm only going to do more damage. I can't turn it at all, not when turn the crank or not turning the crank.

I've tried penetrating oil. No luck.

[Stitch59]

Got it. Thanks.

[wayne1230cars]

Good to hear.
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1960 beetle
1970 beetle convertible