Cobra Jet oil pump distributor drive

wawazat · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 03:08 PM

I removed distributor from my 428 to install new unit and drive for oil pump pulled up a few inches then dropped back down into pump. Therefore retainer (washer type) is not positioned properly. The manual states this retainer prevents oil pump driveshaft from migrating up and disconnecting from oil pump .... end result no oil pressure. Is this true? If so makes for a few more hours work!!

Woodz428 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 05:08 PM

With the distributor in place there isn't enough "play" for it to pull up and out of the pump. It is primarily to prevent the problem you described. If you get the shaft up and back in the oil pump I wouldn't worry about it until you have to pull the pan and address it at that point. I've pulled them out with the distributor when the clip wasn't put on an aftermarket shaft and it had been run for many thousands of miles like that. If you are having problems "fishing" it out, I have had good results with a small diameter but powerful magnet.

SCOBRAC · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 06:58 PM

You'll be ok. It has no place to go but back into it's hole. You may need to give it a few degrees rotation to get it completely seated. You will know if this is the case if you can't completely drop the distributor into place.

Hit the key the shaft will seat, the distributor will drop into place. Recheck the rotor location and tighten up the distributor. You may need to reposition the rotor a time or two to account for the gear seating into the cam.

SCOBRAC · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2005, 07:08 PM

I re read you post. Was it your intention to pull the drive out the top? That would be possible but not advisable for the reason the manual stated. Most improved (3/8") drives will not come out through the manifold anyway, the stock unit will but you'll lose the retainer clip into the oil pan, not a big deal but not the best way to deal with the drive, as you must use a stock size drive and it may migrate up, losing oil pressure (not likely, however possible)

The only right way to remove the drive is to remove the pan and the pump. I'd leave the old shaft in until you were planning on pulling the pump.



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