HEI distributor oil pump fitting question...

[bobby dee]

I am installing an HEI Distributor onto a SBC 350 that is on an engine stand ready to be put into my 75 GMC. I noticed that the oil pump shaft had some play in it and because the engine stand was not level was leaning to one side. This made it difficult to completely seat the Distributor. Question is, is this normal, or should that shaft be solid and not moving?

Thanks

 

[Fastereddie]

It can move around a liitle bit but there is a plastic sleeve that connects the shaft to the oil pump that is known for getting brittle and breaking. I always use an aftermarket shaft w/ a pinned steel sleeve.