[HoosierBuddy]

You're only the 100,000th person to do this. Don't take off the pan. Get a Soda Straw (actually an extra large McDonald's straw works the best). Shove it around your pump shaft. Use the straw to drop the shaft down the hole. Keep moving it around untill you can feel it positively engage with the pump. This may take a few minutes of trial and error. You know you've got it when you can lift the shaft slightly and it still won't rotate. Stick a straight piece of coat hanger, or a welding rod, down the straw to hold the shaft down while you pull the straw off of it. Install the distributor.

Good luck!

Phil

'65 Convertible (with many mods.)
http://www.blueriver.net/~finite/Pony.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks, I really didn't want to remove the oil pan again.
But I guess I have to watch it next time I remove the distributor.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

It doesn't really matter how careful you are. It's just a crap shoot. I took mine out last night to pre-oil the engine, and it slipped out of the pump. Mine fell back next to the pump and stayed in the engine. I just shoved a straw around it and lifted it out. Then I put it back in. I've done it enough that I'm getting pretty good at it.

Phil

'65 Convertible (with many mods.)
http://www.blueriver.net/~finite/Pony.htm

 

[70_Coupe]

I hear a lot about this "shaft" falling in the pan etc, etc. I have a 70 Coupe and had the distributor out last summer and replaced it later - was I just lucky or what? 70 Coupe, 302 2v.

 

[Guest]

If so, stick a magnet to the oil pan so that you catch that collar in place. It shouldn't be able to pass into the oil pump but it's still better to be on the safe side..put the magnet real close to the drain plug so that when you go to change the oil next time it should just drain right out with the old oil.

Visit my repair page for Repair info, with pictures! http://home.dencity.com/mustangcub