The Ford Barn

Shoebox · 01-10-2022, 11:51 AM

Kind of a basic question but,.... is the shaft/post that the oil pump idler gear spins on, a slight interference or tap in fit where it goes into the block? I know it's the gear that spins, not the shaft, just double checking. Thanks!

51 MERC-CT · 01-10-2022, 12:00 PM

The pin is pressed fit and has a threaded hole in it to accommodate a puller to remove it.

19Fordy · 01-10-2022, 12:15 PM

I think its a press fit that can be accomplished by gently tapping the shaft into the hole.
I would put the pin overnight in the refrigerator freezer to cool it down so you could tap it in. I removed mine using a large socket and a bolt. Here's some photos of both cast and pressed steel covers. Green cover is cast iron for 51 Merc. The other is pressed steel. I think they are interchangeable.

Ronnieroadster · 01-10-2022, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoebox

Kind of a basic question but,.... is the shaft/post that the oil pump idler gear spins on, a slight interference or tap in fit where it goes into the block? I know it's the gear that spins, not the shaft, just double checking. Thanks!

Yes as others have mentioned the shaft is a slight interference fit. To push the shaft in I tap on the head of a bolt that's threaded into the end of the shaft. Once you have the shaft installed you should be able to rotate the idler gear easily. Once the shaft is in the bolt is removed and the gasket and cover can be installed.

Additionally for anyone wondering how to remove the assembly a slide hammer can be used with a 3/8 coarse threaded stud on the end which you thread into the end of the shaft now the assembly is easily removed.
Ronnieroadster

Shoebox · 01-10-2022, 05:10 PM

Wow,this is a great example of even the most basic of questions are worth asking here on the Barn. First, I got the answer/confirmation to my question regarding a slight interference fit. Then I learned that my idler cover (cast iron) is Merc, finally, I was aware of the hole in the shaft, but was not aware that is threaded, and how that was to be used. THANKS GUYS!

mcgarrett · 01-10-2022, 08:39 PM

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Do yourself a BIG favor...while you are working in this area of the engine, don't forget to check the idler gear bushing to make sure it isn't worn out and sloppy. Did an engine rebuild a few years ago and after start up, the engine sounded like I had a rod knock at idle! Long story short...I pulled the engine TWICE before I realized that the oil pump drive gear bushing was well worn and allowed the gear to rock. I was pretty embarrassed that I had failed to check the oil pump drive while I was doing the rebuild. Maybe you have already checked it.

19Fordy · 01-10-2022, 10:53 PM

mcgarrett: Thanks for posting that tid -bit of info. It's something easily forgotten. With all that oil you wouldn't think bushing would wear.

01-10-2022, 11:51 AM	#1
Shoebox Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Holmen,Wisconsin Posts: 787	Oil pump idler gear Kind of a basic question but,.... is the shaft/post that the oil pump idler gear spins on, a slight interference or tap in fit where it goes into the block? I know it's the gear that spins, not the shaft, just double checking. Thanks! __________________ I went, I saw, I bought the T shirt 51 Ford Deluxe Tudor 32 Ford roadster 39 Mercury Towncar

01-10-2022, 12:00 PM	#2
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: Oil pump idler gear The pin is pressed fit and has a threaded hole in it to accommodate a puller to remove it. __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

01-10-2022, 05:10 PM	#5
Shoebox Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Holmen,Wisconsin Posts: 787	Re: Oil pump idler gear Wow,this is a great example of even the most basic of questions are worth asking here on the Barn. First, I got the answer/confirmation to my question regarding a slight interference fit. Then I learned that my idler cover (cast iron) is Merc, finally, I was aware of the hole in the shaft, but was not aware that is threaded, and how that was to be used. THANKS GUYS! __________________ I went, I saw, I bought the T shirt 51 Ford Deluxe Tudor 32 Ford roadster 39 Mercury Towncar

01-10-2022, 08:39 PM	#6
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Oil pump idler gear Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Do yourself a BIG favor...while you are working in this area of the engine, don't forget to check the idler gear bushing to make sure it isn't worn out and sloppy. Did an engine rebuild a few years ago and after start up, the engine sounded like I had a rod knock at idle! Long story short...I pulled the engine TWICE before I realized that the oil pump drive gear bushing was well worn and allowed the gear to rock. I was pretty embarrassed that I had failed to check the oil pump drive while I was doing the rebuild. Maybe you have already checked it.

01-10-2022, 10:53 PM	#7
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: Oil pump idler gear mcgarrett: Thanks for posting that tid -bit of info. It's something easily forgotten. With all that oil you wouldn't think bushing would wear.