how do i replace the magnetic pickup in the distributor?

[Optik]

after much cussing and probing with a multimeter, i think i've narrowed my ignition problem down to either a faulty pickup in the distributor, or a bad MSD box. since the distributor pickup is the cheapest of the two to replace, thought i would start there. but what is involved with replaceing it? how do i get the reluctor wheel off the shaft? can this be replaced with the distributor in the car or does it have to come out to do this?
thanks,
-Tim

 

[demon seed]

Why are you pulling the reluctor wheel?

Terry

 

[Dust1]

Go ahead and pull the distributor out, be sure to see which way the rotor is facing to make sure you're not out 180 degrees when you put it back in.
Pull out the rotor. A screwdriver will pry out the reluctor, carefull though.
Two screws will take out the whole assembly, with the pickup attached minus the counterbalance weights. You will need to release the vacume advance pin from the assembly when taking out, carefully not to bend or distort anything.There is a spring clamp attachment on the bottom to release the pickup from the baseplate, a pair of needlenose will work on that. Very easy to do. Just be careful not to be too bull like in a china shop.lol
Assemble in reverse order. Nonmagnetic feeler guage at .006 to set pickup to reluctor works for me.
You are now ready to put the distributor back in with the rotor pointing in the same direction as it was taken out.
Good luck Kimosabbe, don't be afraid, you can do it!