1946-1949 Oil Pump & Distributer Gear & Shaft

[49 Caddy]

  Starting to re-assemble my 49 Caddy 331 cu. in. motor.  Machine shop put short block together, including the camshaft.  Can someone please enlighten me on installing the oil pump & distributer gear and shaft.  How do you install the gear and shaft without dropping something inside the engine?  I did not take it apart before gong to the shop and my manual does not step by step it.  All I have is a cross-view of the motor.

[Jay Friedman]

If memory serves, I think the best way is to first install the oil pump at the bottom.  Then install the distributor gear from the top. The following is a quote from "Manufacturing Information" a '49 factory publication: "The distributor drive gear should be installed in such a way that when the Number 1 piston is at top dead center on compression the flat on the oil pump drive shaft is on the right and approximately 15 degrees clockwise with center line of the engine. .... Be sure the gear seats freely and that there is a slight amount of backlash with the camshaft gear".

Good luck.

[49 Caddy]

  Thanks for the response, Jay.  I think I understand what you are saying.  Appears I have to insert the gear before I bolt the valley cover on. 

[Rossoroo]

Whoever last worked on my 331 did not follow the recommended procedure that Jay just posted and now the clocking of my plug leads are out of whack and it drives my inner OCD crazy.