Oops do I need to pull the oil pump ?

[DaveB]

I was trying to drop the distributor into the GM 350 crate motor in my commando after installing the TBI manifold. When I pulled it out once the intermediate shaft that goes from the distributor gear to the oil pump came out with the distributor. If I remember correctly there is a plastic bushing that holds the rod to the oil pump. Could that bushing have fallen off or busted ? Should I pull the pump and make sure it is there ? I dropped the rod back into position but I don't want to mess up this low mileage engine when I fire it up. What should I do ?

 

[broncomitch]

i had that happen. but it was a metal ring. i left it and when i swapped out my oil pump for a HV pump it was still there sitting in the pan and put it back on.


im sure it will be fine (if there was even one put on it) but if your going to loose sleep over it pull the pan and check it out.

 

[Tacoma]

If it was me I'd drop the pan. There's no way I'd chance whipping that up into say, a spinning crank journal. Better to take the time and effort to take a look than to rebuild a trashed motor... with low miles.

 

[DaveB]

I think I'll pull the distributor back out and see if I can see anything, if not I'll pull the pan. Didn't need more work but the motor is too nice to risk it.

 

[rollover]

Good call Dave. Its so much better to not Question yourself every time something comes up as well.
Peace of mind is priceless.

 

[4554x4]

The plastic retainer if broken will at worst split into two pieces, too large to get sucked up into the oil pickup. I wouldnt pull the pan if it were mine.

 

[BCGPER]

Dave, I wouldn't sweat the old sleeve causing any damage assuming it was the stock plastic one. Get a replacement sleeve. "Glue" it to the distributor driveshaft using some very heavy wheel bearing grease, and carefully install it back onto the oil pump shaft.

 

[DaveB]

I wish I had one of those fancy cameras the doctors use to look inside. I don't know if it had the plastic or a metal clip. Maybe I can run a magnet in through the drain hole and see what I pick up.

 

[Corban_White]

You may be able to borrow a bore scope from checker or auto zone. I don't know if it is something that they rent or not though.

 

[4554x4]

I wish I had one of those fancy cameras the doctors use to look inside. I don't know if it had the plastic or a metal clip. Maybe I can run a magnet in through the drain hole and see what I pick up.

Plastic. At least on the 100 or so Chevs that I have had apart. Broncomitch must have been working on his Ford, as his was metal. All the 100 or so Fords I have had apart were all metal.