oil pump driveshaft installation ?

[dr destructo]

i'm having a problem installing the oil pump driveshaft. i've already sealed up the oil pan, and im wondering if its possible to install the driveshaft now?

also, what is the clip for on the driveshaft?

(and why doesnt the haynes manual not mention any info about this driveshaft anywhere ! :evil:

i thought when the engine was upside down and i tried to install the driveshaft it would just fall out, but i guess i just have no idea here.

and since it looks like i'll be taking the pan off again, my haynes manual says install the end seals first, then lay the cork side gaskets over them.
a link on another thread to a mustang monthly magazine build showed those guys laid the cork side gaskets down first and then the rubber end seals over the top of the side gaskets? which way is really right? I installed the end seals first, then the side gaskets, and i noticed the thin edges that lay down on the block at the end of the rubber end seals were squishing out away from the block... but i put rtv under it, over it, and beside it so i don't think i'd have had a leak but I'm not sure?
hope you guys can make sense out of any of that.

thanks guys !

[jones]

Yes, you really need to pull the oil pan to install the shaft. The clip is there to keep the shaft from falling out of the pump and into the oil pan when ever you remove the distributor. (Major pain in the arse!)

The clip keeps the shaft captured between the oil pump and block. It won't fall out after you have bolted down the oil pump. So long as the clip is left on.

What jones said......

[lincoln58]

put some grease on the end of the shaft, so it stays stuck in the distributor, then slip it and the dist into the oil pump.I have never had a oil shaft fall into the oil pan ,the oil pump stops it. give it a try.

[Phil]

Originally Posted by dfree383

What jones said......

+3

[hotrodmerc]

Take the oil pan off and do it right. Nuff Said

[PatFromJersey]

I'd take the pan off too, and do it right. I think that's up to +5?

[gregaust]

One the gaskets , depending on type of rubber end seal. Some go under the cork since the rubber has a flat end
and others have a little square tang on the cork that slips into square bit on the rubber.

+6 on the drive :wink:

[schmitty]

Had to go fishing a couple of times for the shaft on mine and it's not fun. Clip broke on mine or disappeared somehow. Didn't know until I pulled the dizzy and the shaft fell down and got wedged. Do it right and pull the pan and while you're at it use a one piece pan gasket, no more leaks at the corners. :lol:

[JonKaase]

I can tell you how to put it in from the top. This is a Dyno Don trick. He would put a 12" length of hose over about 1/2" of the drive shaft. you have to find a plastic or rubber hose that will fit somewhat tight when pushed onto the hex shaft. After it's on, it can't be over 1/2" in diameter, or it won't fit into the distributor hole. Then you can lower it into the hole and turn it until it lines up and goes down all the way. Then you slide a 1/4" shaft, or threaded rod, or brake line or anything that is about 15" long, down the middle of the hose, push down hard on the shaft, and pull the hose off of the drive shaft. It helps if the hose is stiff, because the distributor hole is at a slight angle, and you may have to angle the shaft a little to get it in. If the engine is still on the engine stand, just turn the engine to the angle where the distributor is straight up. We did this on all Dyno's Clevelands. ... Kaase

[Greg_P]

I'm with Mr. Kaase on this one guys....

Really seems like a waste of time to pull the pan when the drive can be installed easily from the top.

Greg

[digger460]

I had that happen on a 390 one time and didn't relize the shaft fell into the oil pan and after I put it back together and started it. I found the shaft wound around the crankshaft.