I have put in a new 5.7 motor in my 92 1500. but i think i messed up when i put the oil pump shaft in and have to check it. is it possible to pull the pan without pulling the motor? the shaft i was sold was a steel collar shaft instead of the plastic collar. its a long story on this pump, so wont bore you. but problem is that dist. wont seat all the way down. so my only guess is that the shaft isnt seated on the pump. any thoughts. i am at my wits end with this and just want to get it on the road. so is it possible to pull the pan off without removing my newley installed motor????? please say yes!! Thanks so much.

 

The pump shaft should have a slot in the end where the dist. shaft engages it. Try to take a large screw driver and see if you can turn the shaft to see if the shaft is fully engaged in the pump. shine a light down the dist. hole and see if the shaft is stright or cocked to the side.

 

most engine builders use the steel collar, for obvious reasons. however, there have been few times when the maker of the collar doesn't get clearances right. i have heard of the collar having to be opened up ever so slightly to get it and distributor to seat right. it is alot easier to at least raise the motor couple or few inches to gain better access and clearance. but it is possible.