Part I : Replacing Distributor and What to Do if the Oil Pump Shaft Falls Out

In Part 1 of this two part video we work to get the distributor prepped and pulled to replace with a new one. In the process I discuss a few helpful things to consider when doing a distributor swap as well as a couple methods of how to control timing when doing a swap. In the video we ran into a common Ford problem where the oil pump shaft gets pulled out of the pump and falls into the hole. From here I walk through the tricks I used to get it removed and reinstalled. - Barn Built Fabrications
#barnbuiltfabrications #f150 #distributor #truck #trucks #Ford #Chevy #Dodge #oilpump #oilpumpshaft

[@Classic_trucks_cars]

Good info!

[@BarnBuiltFabrications]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LucasAutoHoldingsLLC]

I'm working on my FE 390 and my oil pump shaft just fell out too..I really don't want to drop the oil pan. I've been trying to fish it out with no luck yet. Which magnet tool did you use and where did you get it from? Some I have are too big and won't fit down the distributor hole. Smaller one doesn't seem strong enough.. Can I try from the oil filter pick up bracket, or oil drain hole? Thank you.

[@BarnBuiltFabrications]

I am not sure where exactly I got it from as I’ve had it for awhile but any auto parts, hardware, or harbor freight should have something that should be small enough to work. It takes some finesse as the magnet will try to stick to the block as you drop it down in the hole. Just be patient and try to re-earth your old operation game skills. If that doesn’t work you can also try using a straw or something similar that fits snugly around the shaft to try to get it that way but don’t push it or it might drop into the pan. Best of luck, you’ll get it just don’t give up!

[@ravemaster2000]

Ok maybe its the timing on my 89 f150 i wonder if replacing the distributor will fix it. Something popped after i started it and held the starting button down for a long time maybe its the starting solenoid. Would the starting solenoid make the entire power off when it pops and if i put a screwdriver across the solenoid terminals not start either

[@BarnBuiltFabrications]

Sounds like you've got a few issues going on there.

[@robertroberts2484]

Long magnet and time 😂😂😂or pull the pan. Dab of silicone on shaft, insert in dist. and back in it goes. Worked for me numerous times anyway.

[@BarnBuiltFabrications]

That's a good idea. Only concern I would have is getting any of the RTV or silicone in the oil.

[@robertroberts2484]

@@BarnBuiltFabrications I meant let it dry then install, it's pretty easy and lasts.

[@xaphanofthenightfall1257]

im rebuilding an '89 302. and i cannot get the distributor to set down all the way. theres like a 1/8" gap before it seats. im thinking its the oil pump drive shaft that might be misaligned. does anyone have thoughts or suggestions?

[@BarnBuiltFabrications]

I'd pull the distributor and confirm that that shaft is seated fully. Getting the hex of the shaft and the proper gear of the distributor can be tedious sometimes so a method that helps is bumping the starter which should help suck the distributor down that last 1/8". Just make sure your timing gear is set right because bumping the starter will bring you off TDC. Best of luck!

[@smokineaglesrodshop]

​@BarnBuiltFabrications in the past I gave just put a socket on the crank bolt and moved it back and forth slightly. it's a little less aggressive than the starter trick

[@xaphanofthenightfall1257]

@@smokineaglesrodshop I tried turning it over by hand while pushing down on the distributor. Did two full rotations and still have that 1/8". Also tried turning the oil pump drive shaft by hand multiple times. -,-