Quote Originally Posted by Itoldyouso View Post
No, the driveshaft should bottom out in the oil pump so it will stay at the right length. Is this engine and all the components one that has been together and running at one time, or has it been put togethr from various parts? I'm leaning toward the distributor not indexing on the driveshaft correctly for some reason. Is the distributor taking some effort to get it down over that driveshaft? Usually, you need to play with turning the shaft just a tad at a time until it will index correctly and slip down. If yours just fell into place on the first try, that might mean the insides of the distributor where it goes on the shaft is worn or damaged.

What kind of tool are you using to preprime the engine?

Don
The engine is a fresh rebuild (first time torn down) from a local (reputable) machine shop. I installed the oil pump though.
I the distributor is taking some effort to seat on the driveshaft, I've never had so much problem with one. The distributor looks good, but the oil pump shaft looks a little boogered up. (technical term)
To preprime it, Im using an old distributor or with the cam gear removed.