"Lifting it myself while someone cranks the motor should result in it trying to start?"

Maybe but not likely. The Fuel Distributor (FD) is an ultra-fine precision unit. (the control plunger isn't even supposed to be switchable to another FD). Your manual lifting of the airflow plate has little chance of precisely matching the plunger lift to the amount of air being sucked in.

You could try mixing Chevron Techron or similar with that new gas and crank enough to get it inside the FD, where soaking might loosen the plunger.

More likely you'll need top pull the AF unit out to remove the FD, then hold a large socket under it and smack it down on a solid surface. The socket should be large enough to surround the part where the plunger fits inside.

Maybe soak it with solvent upside down and leave it overnight first. Be super careful to keep the plunger surface clean, if/when you get it out. Lube it with kerosene or light oil.

I've done this, but don't recall every detail. Just be careful not to lose any seals, washers etc. There's a first time for everything.


--
Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.