351W distributor fitment problem.....

Engineer Ed · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2005, 05:43 PM

OK, here are the basics.

I have a 351W that came out of a 1997 F250.
This is a "Factory Roller" engine.
Custom grind Comp Cam with "non-steel" gear.

I was instructed by Backdraft Racing to get an MSD Pro-Billet distributor P/N 8578

I went to install the distributor and it will not drop down far enough into the hole.
The length of the distributor shaft is 5" long and the depth of the block for the distributor is only 4"
The "gear" on the distributor is about 1" from the bottom of the shaft, but when you look into the block, it appears that the gear should be relatively close to the bottom of the shaft to mate with the cam gear

I dont know what to think....
Would the later model 351W engines be any different than the pre-1995 351W?
Could MSD have sent the wrong part?
There is a label on the part that lists it as a 8578.
This is frustrating...

Need advice.
Thanks,
Ed

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2005, 06:07 PM

You sure you're engaging the oil pump drive? You tried wiggling the rotor as you drop it in?

There shouldn't be any difference in blocks......and I think I even have an 8578 in my Windsor.

Gatorac · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2005, 06:48 PM

Do you have the correct oil pump drive shaft?

peterd · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-2005, 09:53 PM

Sounds like its a 302

Engineer Ed · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2005, 10:55 PM

Turns out that the "retainer" clip was keeping the distributor from going into the hole.
The instructions from ARP told me to put the clip on the top towards the distributor side...
This kept the distributor from being able to drop into position.

Removed the clip and all is well....
Thanks for the suggestions.

One step closer

Ed

blykins · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2005, 06:42 AM

The retainer clip for the oil pump shaft?

You should never put it on the top....ever, ever....if it's on the top, the next time you pull the distributor the oil pump shaft will come right out with it....

Jack21 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-08-2005, 08:03 PM

Ed, all is NOT well...yet.

Before you button things up...

That clip on the oil pump drive shaft is there to prevent the shaft from coming out of the oil pump (and then dropping back into the engine) when you remove the distributor.

Remove the oil pan, then the oil pump. Put the clip on the drive shaft toward the distributor, then the shaft into the pump. The shaft goes up into the block as you re-install the oil pump.