I posted this question in another thread, but nobody read it, so i'll start a new one for it. I pulled the oil pump off of my old 305, and am going to use the old pump, pickup, and oil pan on the 350. When i took the pump off, it came out with a shaft that was in the block. I set it down and broke an orange ceramic connector that seemed to hold them together. What is this piece, can i replace it, where can i get a new one and how much does it cost? If you dont know what im talking about i can take a picture. I have a new pump and pickup, but no way to connect them, and will have to set the depth on them. Is it a bad idea to reuse them on the new motor in this swap? THanks
Matt

 

The shaft isn't tight to the pump but I still am not sure what you are talking about. Oil pumps are cheap ~30. if it's broke replace it. Doubt you'll find that orange peice by itself.

 

The "orange" thing is a little plastic POS. It turns orange with age and heat. It has been known to break while driving down the road, which of course results in instant zero oil pressure.

Here's what you need instead. Get it at Auto Zone (First letter is "I", not "1")

 

Yea, if it's broke, you're better off to replace it. You don't want it to give out on you or your engine is toast. I've heard something about using a big block pump and that working better than a small block pump. You should check that out...

 

You can buy that plastic collar from any gm dealership for under a buck.

 

What should i ask them for? IE, whats it's name? Does it have a part number? Thanks for the help.
Matt

 

I believe it's called the oil pump drive shaft. It's what connects the distributor to the oil pump. Don't replace it with the crappy plastic one. Get the one in the picture.

 

Just walk up to the counter at Auto Zone and ask for a "Melling IS-55E". They stock it in most of their stores. Show them the pic if you have to. $7 or so later, you will have a far more reliable part than that plastic POS.