No end play on driveshaft, Engine assembly Options

[Wew]

Hi all,

I have been rebuilding my engine and the typical one step forward and back certainly applies here.

My big concern at this point is that I have zero axial play when performing the driveshaft test with the dial gauge. I removed all three rings and still had no play.

A new flywheel is on. I buried my head in the sand and continued assembling with my old three round shims and clutch and pressure plate installed.

The motor still turns nicely after heads, spark plugs and everything assembled.

So now my mind races back to an earlier post I had about the oil pump install.

I remember pushing the oil pump in and i could feel it move the camshaft as I pushed it flush on the engine case.

The one gear in the oil pump that goes into motor to marry up with the cam was proud on the shaft and stuck out to the point when I installed the cover plate it created so much friction that I could not turn the motor.

I took the one oil pump with the gear shaft out and used my press to push it down just a bit on the shaft.

This seemed to do the trick as the gear no longer created that extra friction to keep the motor from turning over.

Now we fast forward to me measuring end play, and now that I have zero I can’t help but think that original push with the oil pump may have removed any play on the drive and cam shafts.

Again the motor spins nicely. Full on bottom and top end rebuild.

The story of the oil pump install is located here for those who want additional background.
“Oil pumps and covers, are they interchangeable “

Mark Henry had mentioned something about being able to do some adjusting with the block assembled.

Please advise,


Thank you much,

Gary




A few photos added to show the type of pump and the actual gear sitting proud.
So close: