The Ford Barn

MurphyJ · 02-08-2013, 12:14 PM

I have removed the head off the engine for resurfacing and a new head gasket. While inspecting and cleaning up surface of the block I noticed that the upper end of the oil pump shaft where the distributor fits into the slot, that part of the oil shaft can be wiggled side to side and can even be pulled upward.
Is this normal? Is there a bushing or collar that should keep the upper end of the oil pump shaft in place for a good fit. Any advice will be helpful before i replace the head and distributor.
Many thanks again for your help.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-08-2013, 01:22 PM

Are you asking about the actual oil pump housing, or the gear which drives the oil pump and distributor? That gear sets into the block alongside the camshaft. The oil pump shaft fits into the bottom and the distributor fits into the top of that gear drive. That gear is held down by a large spring.

MurphyJ · 02-08-2013, 01:38 PM

Thanks Tom.
I am referencing about where the top of the shaft ends at the top of the block. The shaft actually extends about 1/2" above the block surface. It is the end with the slot in it for the distributor.
I can take a photo if it will help.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-08-2013, 02:02 PM

That is the lower distributor drive shaft and is free to move about, so you have nothing to worry about. The slots shouldn't be too worn, and if they are it's cheap to replace it.

Herb Concord Ca · 02-08-2013, 02:04 PM

Yes, thats normal, that is the intermedate shaft and it is removable. You can pull it out with a magnet or pliers. The slot is offset so that you can't install the dist 180 degrees out. The shaft floats and mates with the collar on the end of the dist. Hope this helps.

MurphyJ · 02-08-2013, 02:07 PM

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Thanks fellas. Whew, i was thinking that it might have been a broken shaft or wore out bushing. The job continues!!

Tom Wesenberg · 02-08-2013, 02:31 PM

Here's an example of a well worn intermediate shaft.

02-08-2013, 12:14 PM	#1
MurphyJ Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 153	Oil pump shaft question I have removed the head off the engine for resurfacing and a new head gasket. While inspecting and cleaning up surface of the block I noticed that the upper end of the oil pump shaft where the distributor fits into the slot, that part of the oil shaft can be wiggled side to side and can even be pulled upward. Is this normal? Is there a bushing or collar that should keep the upper end of the oil pump shaft in place for a good fit. Any advice will be helpful before i replace the head and distributor. Many thanks again for your help.

02-08-2013, 01:22 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Oil pump shaft question Are you asking about the actual oil pump housing, or the gear which drives the oil pump and distributor? That gear sets into the block alongside the camshaft. The oil pump shaft fits into the bottom and the distributor fits into the top of that gear drive. That gear is held down by a large spring.

02-08-2013, 01:38 PM	#3
MurphyJ Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 153	Re: Oil pump shaft question Thanks Tom. I am referencing about where the top of the shaft ends at the top of the block. The shaft actually extends about 1/2" above the block surface. It is the end with the slot in it for the distributor. I can take a photo if it will help.

02-08-2013, 02:02 PM	#4
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Oil pump shaft question That is the lower distributor drive shaft and is free to move about, so you have nothing to worry about. The slots shouldn't be too worn, and if they are it's cheap to replace it.

02-08-2013, 02:04 PM	#5
Herb Concord Ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Concord CA Posts: 639	Re: Oil pump shaft question Yes, thats normal, that is the intermedate shaft and it is removable. You can pull it out with a magnet or pliers. The slot is offset so that you can't install the dist 180 degrees out. The shaft floats and mates with the collar on the end of the dist. Hope this helps.

02-08-2013, 02:07 PM	#6
MurphyJ Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 153	Re: Oil pump shaft question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks fellas. Whew, i was thinking that it might have been a broken shaft or wore out bushing. The job continues!!

02-08-2013, 02:31 PM	#7
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Oil pump shaft question Here's an example of a well worn intermediate shaft.