Hi,

I'm using a Milodon 18750 oil pump (http://www.milodon.com/oil-system/oil-pumps.asp) and their 23050 drive shaft (http://www.milodon.com/oil-system/oil-pump-shafts.asp). Does this shaft need a sleeve? :confused:

The reason I ask is it didn't come with one.

With the engine upside down the shaft and pump don't meet(the shaft falls out because it fits very loosely and there is no plastic sleeve). If I turn the engine right side up the shaft fits very loosely in the pump but it would seem that it would pop out (unless the distributor is what holds it in but it seems odd... )

Anyway, does the oil pump drive shaft need a sleeve to mate with the oil pump?

Thanks,
Phil

If I remember correctly, aftermarket oil pump driveshafts do not snap into place like stock one.

They just sit there held in by gravity then?

Below are some quick photos I just shot showing what I mean.

Here's the shaft just sitting there. Notice it's not engaged
http://www.melore.com/engine/shaft1.jpg

Here's my finger holding it up (maybe 1/2 inch) so it's engaged.
http://www.melore.com/engine/shaft2.jpg

Look inside where your thumb is and see if there's an internal ring floating in a groove. If there is you need to tap the shaft down onto the pump shaft. It will lock on.

The steel collar takes the place of the failure-prone plastic sleeve.

The distributor will prevent the shaft from lifting off the oil pump drive.

Ok, thanks. Just seemed odd to be so loose and not held in by anything.