Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

[incrediblened]

I bought a new 350 short block, and now it's bolted in the boat. I wanted to prime the oil pump from the top of the engine, and I see that my distributor is WAY too short to reach the oil pump. Am I missing an intermediate shaft? Can it be put in from the top?

 

[incrediblened]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

Oh, it's a 1993 boat / mercruiser 225 engine.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

did it come with the oil pump and pan installed?

 

[incrediblened]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

No, it was a short block and I installed the oil pump.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

then you were supposed to install the shaft.a new oil pump comes with a new plastic coupler and you use the old shaft.
need to pull the motor, drop the pan, drop the oil pump, install shaft and plastic coupler.
Best to prime oil system, adjust lifters once oil is seen coming thru the pushrod tubes, and test run on a skid,then install.

 

[Don S]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

I bought a new 350 short block, and now it's bolted in the boat. I wanted to prime the oil pump from the top of the engine, and I see that my distributor is WAY too short to reach the oil pump. Am I missing an intermediate shaft? Can it be put in from the top?

Sounds like you are missing the intermediate shaft for sure, No, it can't be put in from the top.

The shaft and retainer are installed before the pump mounts to the motor.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

Wow, that's too bad. I will tell you one thing though. The 2nd time you remove & reinstall the motor it goes way faster.
I just R &R'd mine last week for a dumber thing than you did. ps. the oil pump bolt takes 65 foot pounds of torque.

 

[incrediblened]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

Now I did install the plastic retainer, just not the shaft. Does that make a difference?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

so then what happened to the shaft ? left in the old motor with the oil pump?

 

[incrediblened]

Re: Crate Engine - Distributor Intermediate Shaft

Yep, I just picked up one at Oreilly's for $15. It had a steel retainer on it identical to the plastic one that I on it that I installed earlier, and mine slid right on from the top. Whew.

FYI: If you buy a 350 shortblock, along with the obvious parts you might consider keeping...

1) The one piece rear main seal housing.
2) The studs for the oil pan.
3) The oil filter adapter that is bolted to the motor.
4) The intermediate oil pump driveshaft.
5) The oil splash shield
6) Your oil dipstick tube adapter (you have to knock it out from the bottom)
7) Your block drains

I found this out the hard way as I scrapped my motor before this one was complete and had to find a donor 350 block at a scrap yard to get most of these parts.