Rear main/oil pump Q...hoping for a quick answer

[tRustyK5]

OK, I have my pan off and rear main seal replaced. Yay...

While removing the oil pump a small plastic dealie that looks like an umbrella seal broke off. After having a good look at it I can see it was originally split so it can be spread over the oil pump driver coming down from the cam. The oil pump driver has a small groove about 3/4" from the bottom that this piece rides on. What I don't understand is it's purpose. There is nothing to seal there, it's just a hex drive coming into the top of the oil pump. It's not like the oil pump can go anywhere, and it's not like the pump driver can creep up and disengage.

My Chiltons made no mention of this piece of plastic, but I don't really want to put it back together without a replacement (if I can find one) if it serves an important purpose.

Anyone have a clue what it is and if it's important?

Rene

 

[Muddytazz]

4x4high will know the answer to this one I know, pm him

 

[4X4HIGH]

Rene, that is the oil pump drive shaft sleeve. Do not run without it. In fact you can buy a performance shaft that has a steel sleeve attached with a rivet which is much better. The purpose is to keep the drive shaft aligned with the oil pump properly.

 

[tRustyK5]

Sweet info...hopefully I can find a replacement tomorrow. Looks like my night is done then. Beer time!!

Thanks for the ultra quick response!!

Rene

 

[BKinzey]

So where do you get this high performance shaft?

 

[tRustyK5]

No idea, I went to the dealer and spent a whopping $2.04 to replace the little nylon shaft alignment bushing/guide. Got her all buttoned up now and onto getting the rest of the drivetrain in.

Rene

 

[Cricket]

One example:

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...atalogId=10002&storeId=10001&categoryId=14759