oil pump drive shaft

kinda a dumb question, which way is that stopper should be? towards the top or bottom? i hope you guys know what i'm asking

 

Are you talking about a an I6 or V8?

 

It should be towards the bottom so ... it will prevent the shaft from accidently falling into the pan if it isn't aligned with the pump. Adjust it so that when the shaft is seated in the pump that it isn't touching the block ..

 

Actually the primary purpose is to prevent the shaft from coming out and falling into the pan when the distributor is pulled out. (Don't ask me how I learned that the first time)

 

Using a stock shaft, I always just put it on the shaft towards the top and then using vaseline, slide it into the pump and then mount the pump to the block(don't forget the gasket), guide the shaft into the block hole and make sure the washer is no more than 1/2in below the block. This will keep the shaft from pulling out of the pump when dizzy is removed as stated before. Some aftermarket hardened shafts are machined so the shaft is larger below the hex and no stop washer is used.

 

Pleae tell me you bought a hardend performance shaft......

 

Dennis is right.......I place the stop 1/2" or so on to the shaft.Visualize the motor is inverted on a engine stand....I place the shaft into the block(from the bottom),install the oil pump,seat the shaft into the oil pump,slide the stop up the shaft til touching the block...now the shaft won't fall out even with the motor inverted on the stand.It also shouldn't be allowed to come out with the distributor or fall into the oil pan when removing the distributor

 

you know me.... only the best

ok, so the sole purpose of the stop is to prevent it from falling into the pan i get it, so what i'm getting at its supposed to be on the underside of the block, on the pump side, not on the distributor side of the block (if thats true i gotta pull my oil pan to put it in, good thing engine is not in yet)

 

It's supposed to be at the top so the shaft doesn't follow the dizzy out when you pull it. If you put it at the bottom it doesn't have anything to butt up against and it will pull out of the oil pump and fall down.

 

Depending on where the clip is and what crank you're using, the clip may hit the crankshaft if the pump drive is upside down. Last I remember, I think a 351w will hit if it's upside down.

 

I know exactally what you are sayin.BTW you can drop the pan with a set of Headman headers in place

 

ether way it looks like i need to pull the pan to put it in.