Question on removed Oil Pump

[strombolichef]

I have a 40 HP Mercury 1996, the oil pump has been removed and I am using premix gas.
I recently went over the powerhead, now putting back together, am I correct to assume that I do NOT need to put the plastic Oil Pump gear back onto the crankshaft when re assembling? Since it is not doing anything anymore? Thanks

 

[racerone]

There is crankcase compression.----Leaving the part out may increase crankcase volume a bit.---That will change compression in that crankcase !

 

[strombolichef]

Thanks.