Technical How do you stab the distributor on an FE?

OK, I have asked several places and still haven't got the definitive answer; what is the best way to stab the distributor in a Ford FE engine and hit that hex oil pump shaft without spending half a day trying to get lucky? Do you have to take the pan off and install the oil pump last every time? This is my first Phord engine, I an used to early hemis that drop right in.

 

does the oil pump shaft have the spacer thingy on it

 

the long hex shaft is in the engine already, held in place with it's little retainer clip below the hole in the block near the top, and by the oil pump at the bottom....right?

 

Do you have an oil pump priming tool for the FE? You can use it to slightly rotate the hexagon shaft until you find the right spot for the distributor drive gear and that hex shaft to jive and the distributor goes right in.

 

I'm pretty sure the FEs are basically the same as the small block fords aren't they? As far as the oil pump and distributor go anyway? I just dropped the distributor and wiggled the rotor a little and it fell on. I didn't think it was that big of a deal. If they're different, then I don't know.....

 

I forgot the retainer on my 302 and a distributor install went from a 30 second operation to a 30 minute nightmare

 

Did the shaft pull out and fall in the pan? I've heard of people using a magnet down the hole to retrieve it. Knock on wood! haven't had to deal with that yet.

 

almost
had to fish it out of the distributor hole with a magnet several times before I got it

 

Yep, it has the retainer washer. The problem is the rod is not centered and the hole in the distributor shaft won't slip over it. I see how the retainer washer keeps the shaft from pulling all the way out but what is supposed to keep it centered in the hole in the block so the dist can stab over it?

 

hmmmm
its supposed to help keep it centered and in place for distributor removal
might could use some grease to hold it in the center

 

the end of the shaft and the hole in the gear should be chamfered.

 

definately

 

Pan probably has a gallon grease in it from my efforts!! Shaft is chamfered. I am going to pull the pan and check everything out. Brand new pump, rod looked good when ***embled. Really going to be tough to do, Mysterion has exhaust header right along pan bolts, engine is in at 10deg angle, car is too low to lift with 2-post hoist will have to work off jack stands. Would have to basically dis***emble the car to pull the engine and do it that way. Ain't hot rodding fun?!

 

I think I would spend some time working on the chamfer on the distributor first?

 

Definitely!

 

WOA! STOP THE TRAIN! I've done this many times. I have never had the dist just drop on the shaft. Once the dist gear is in the cam gear I always bump the starter while holding a little down pressure on the dist, then it drops over the pump shaft. Now if your working on a motor in the Misterian and it's laying over on it's side it stands to reason the shaft isn't going to stand where it belongs. Tilt the car till the motor is sitting where it would be in a standard car.
The Wizzard

 

Oh yeah, that makes sense. I didn't realize the motor was ****eyed, no wonder its off to one side!!

 

BINGO!! Tilting the car is another issue. I'm thinking if I basically sharpen the end of the shaft and/or ream the dist hole with a chamfer counter bore tool I would have a better chance. No problem with the setup not being able to hold the power with reduced drive contact; the engine will never see anything more than idle speed cruising rod run parking lots.
PS; a hemi wouldn't have this problem. Just sayin' . . . .

 

Anyone have a Ph# for willys36?

 

What I described is standard method. The dist gear will engage the cam prior to getting to the pump shaft. I'm talking just light bump bump bump to the starter and the dist will drop right in I doubt you need to do anything to existing champfers.
The Wizzard

 

You just might get lucky trying it as things are if you haven't done that yet. I doubt it though.

 

Definitely try turning the motor to get it to drop in place, as he suggested. It should go in.

 

stab it with an electric knife

 

PIST-N-BROKE just called me long distance on his dime to help me out. Proof there are still good guys out there. Thanx so much.

 

No problem, I can talk way better than my 2 fingers can type.
The Wizzard

 

HAMBERS helping HAMBERS!GOOD JOB PISTON BROKE!

 

WOW? You can use TWO fingers? I'm in awe.

 

Well bro you get it in?

 

I always eventually get it in. Problem is it usually takes a LONG time, LOTS of tries. I have a few ideas from this thread to try next time I have to do the deed.