hey all, first post here.
i am in the middle of a bit of a puzzler. i am building a 350 chevy (outta 88 silverado).

gonna install it with a700R4 in my 81 ods cutlass calais.


my problem is when i try and install distributor, it won't drop completely into position, it stops right about here.

i have gotten it to go all the way into position a few times , but was not in time. now that i have #1 @ tdc on comp stroke...i can't get it to seat. i have tried moving oil pump drive shaft back and fourth a bit...with no luck, can't get it!
my question is does the oil pump drive shaft move side to side somewhat without distributor installed...or is it supposed to be perfectly straight with no slop at all.

i can move it around a bit with screwdriver and i think this is my problem...bottom of dist sets on top of oil pump drive shaft instead of letting it slip into position.
whatcha all think...am i missing something?
thanks for any info.

 

tried to include pics in post but didn't work...guess i'll have to work on that.

 

tryin to post pics..

 

just keep working at it... hold the distributor in your hand and without putting it into the engine turn it where you would like it do be. then lift it straight up into the air until you can see the tab that meshed with the oil pump shaft and take a mental note of it's position. then using a long screwdriver turn the oil pump shaft about 1/8 of a turn counter clockwise of where the distributor tab is. it may take several tries but you should Babel to get it. here is a little hint next time you build an engine. when you have the oil pump shaft out bevel the insideedges and the distributor will drop in aloteasier!

 

i looked at your pics and i think you have to turn the oil pump shaft counter clockwise for sure between 3 and 4 o'clock

 

twizzle12,
thanks for reply, tried moving it back and fourth a bit...with no luck though. i know it will fit. i just had to quit or start throwing tools. tomorrow i will move shaft a little more and give it a shot.

 

http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t...pumpshaft2.jpg

here is a link to your pic that i painted a white line on to give ouy anidea on where to start...

 

dang!, no kiddin...im that far off. no wonder it wouldn't go. i'll give at a shot tomorrow.
thnaks.