Priming the Oil System

A few years ago, I purchased a hex shaft to prime my 340 after sitting over winter. The problem that I have run into is that after removing the distributor, I cannot get the intermediate shaft out of the engine. The intermediate shaft is tight, and resists pulling out using large needle-nose pliers. I can easily pull the shaft out of an older 273 that I also have using a large pair of pliers.

Are there any tools that would make this job easier, or any ideas from any resident web-site experts as to how to go about this?

As always, Thanx!