Hello.I am trying to replace the dist. in my 351C motor. Any neat ideas on how to deal with the oil pump shaft that runs to the bottom of the dist? I am having a heck of a time trying to get them to line up!
You can find the correct size socket that fits the shaft and turn it: tape the crap out of the socket to an extension to reach down in there. Hopefully, the previous owners put the reatining clip on that keeps the shaft from pulling out the top.
Thanks. Why do I need to turn it if I am just pulling the old one out and replacing it with on just like it? I marked the rotor and dist. on the block.
If you have the # 1 cyl at tdc and the dist marked so that you can drop it in and mesh the dist gear to the cam and keep the marks lined up.
all you need to do is apply a slight downward pressure on the dist while you bump the starter to turn the engine.
the oil pump shaft has a hex shape that needs to slide into the end of the dist.
it does not matter where but needs to line up for the dist to fall completley down to its final resting point.
on the socket-extension subject, i have a set of 1/4" extensions, made by wright, that lock onto the socket... i bought them mainly for this purpose, and they work just dandy! theres a coller you pull back to release the socket. check around for a wright dealer, or chase down an independant tool dealer who services the local garages... thats where i bought mine