ok...i am gonna be swapping distributors and i have a quick question...now when i pull out the distributor should the oil pump drive shaft come out with it...cause it did out of the car i pulled the replacement one from...but what i need to know is if it comes out...how do i put it back in the motor without dropping the pump shaft in...is there any trick to doing this before i mess something up...thanx

 

no trick, just put it in the distributor & drop it in. it prety much self centers itself. don't forget to mark the location good & add "Karls Gasket" before putting on the new one.

 

When the shaft came out with my distributor on the 83, I took one of those retractable claws (for picking up bolts) and put it back in.

 

thanx guyz...yea i was thinkin about using one of those retractable claws or even a magnet to drop it in there...but i won't be doing this for a while so i have some time to ponder...i was researching before i go and dive in...thanx again

 

Since it probably will remove same time,
MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR IT
The magnetic tip item is exactly what ya use.
Will need flashlight too.
Wet end with some oil to slip in easier.
Just do not panic & it'll be ok.
IF Ya use magnetic tip, you'll need two hands in there to remove the magnet from the steel rod.
Steel rod is 6 sided item, easy to slip in, tho.
Make sure you're at TDC (pull #1 plug to feel max cylinder pressure) check timing mark (should be at 0 or so), remove & don't touch the engine.
Disconnect battery if you feel someone will goof on ya & move this "mark".
Check rotor location should be at #1 on distb cap, too.
Use the Chevy Small Block distributor (and while at parts store go get a new distb shaft "o" ring, too) with a film of black RTV, clean the distb. area VERY VERY VERY WELL with carb cleaner & WHITE paper towels.
Slap it back in & go.
Should work out well for ya.

 

I guess I got lucky, of the three times I have pulled a 2.8 distributor the oil pump shaft never came with it.

 

This is even more important when using the 3.4 front cover & then x-ferring the 2.8 timing teeth.