Distributor alignment with Oil Pump Shaft
 

Folks,
Every time I install the distributor in my 65 289, I have a devil of a time aligning the oil pump shaft. The shaft seems to lean over just enough to cause the shaft to not mate with the distributor. After I fool around with it for some time I can get the two to mate, but it seems that this shouldn't be this much hassel.

I have worked on several 289's in which everyone of them have this isssue. I ususally end up applying a heavy grease around the top of the shaft such that the grease won't allow the shaft to lean to the side.

I worked on one engine where the shaft retainer clip was not installed and the shaft fell into the oil pan.. NOT FUN.

Is there a trick or a tip ??

Dopie

Might be time to replace either the shaft or the pump. It would be better that both were replaced. Could be the teeth have excessive wear on them therefore allowing the shaft to play. Not safe for your engine if this is the case. Or the same clip that fell off once may have move slightly down not holding the shaft in place. I'd look into that asap. Good luck.

I have had this problem too. I find the best way is to get the shaft in is to get the dist. lined up for timing then bump the motor over till the dist. drops down all the way. Helps if a friend wiggles the dist. I have never had the luxury of having the clip installed on the shaft.

Very common problem. Either bump it around till it lines up, as already stated, or put some wheel bearing grease on it to hold it away so the dist. will go in. Also, stated.

Clip never helped that much

But alas, bumping the starter, I would not recomend. I now have a oil pump shaft in my oil pan because of this. Somehow it fell while the motor was being turned. I now just use wheel grease.