360 distributor help

gonzo1234 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 01:46 AM

hey guys, i have a 68 mercury with a 360 i got an 4 bbl manifold and when i was removing the distributor i heard a metalic noise like something fell off. the only thing i can think of was it was the oil pump drive.i really dont want to have to pull the engine, is there a way to get it out without pulling the motor? how do i tell if it is really not where its supposed to be? any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

60F100 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 07:57 AM

If you look down in the hole where the distributor was you should be able to see the shaft. You may need a flashlight. If it is not there you might get lucky and retrieve it with a long skinny magnet but the odds are against it. You should be able to drop the oil pan without completely removing the motor. Depends on how far it needs to be jacked up.

Madathlon · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 12:18 PM

There a retainer ring on the shaft, so if it has come out of the oil pump, and the retainer is still on it, you will never get it to come thru the hole, this retainer is for centering the shaft in the hole and is supposted to pervent it from comming out with the distributor. Best bet, Pull oil pan, pull Oil Pump and replace with a new shaft, Do not reuse the old one. many a times the old one fail suddenly when reinstalled, and at less then $10 it worth a piece of mind to replace it.

Needed Items
1/2 socket
Universal Joint
3 6in long ex,
New Oil pan gasket
Sealent ( Permatex "The Right Stuff" Recomended)
a 11/16 to 3/4 hand wrench.
Floor Jack, With blocks of wood.

If you need detailed instrations on how to, just ask

bertha66 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 12:40 PM

One other thing to do is, if it did fall all the way to the bottom, leave it. Buy a new one, remove the retainer ring nad try to fish it down into the dist hole into the oil pump. The old shaft will not hurt anything in the pan, the oil pump has a screen to stop anything from going into the pump. I did this on my 66 4x4 F100.

Madathlon · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bertha66

One other thing to do is, if it did fall all the way to the bottom, leave it. Buy a new one, remove the retainer ring nad try to fish it down into the dist hole into the oil pump. The old shaft will not hurt anything in the pan, the oil pump has a screen to stop anything from going into the pump. I did this on my 66 4x4 F100.

NEVER ever ever Leave a object in a Oil Pan, One Odd bump, bad incline and that Shaft will end up in the crank assambilty. I know many say this is ok. and I have seen many do this with never having a problem, BUT I have also seen a $10 Oil shaft take out a complete engine. Had one go right thru the side of a block. Yes its a pain, and Yes its time comsuming, BUt a job done right the first time is worth all the time and money in the world.