I feel stupid asking this question as it isn't the first time I've installed one but I just can't seem to get it this time.

Is there a special trick to get everything to line up that I don't know about.

I'm using a new Melling pump shaft and the factory intermediate shaft.
For some reason I have about 1/2" until the plastic tab will sit down on the block.
I tried lining it up...no go. I tried rotating the engine till it would mess with the drive gear on the cam...it started down but seem like it isn't sliding in the slot on the melling shaft.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Two tips here. Firstly I always line them up by looking at the bottom of the drive and the shaft.

Secondly lube the drive and hole in the valley it passes through, some resisitance may be happening here as well. I also lube the end of the drive that interlocks with the oil pump driveshaft. Clean 10w30 is what I use out of an oil can.

Its also important to verify that the engine is as close to level as possible. Sometimes the shaft can take a lean in one direction or another and impede your progress. They are mysterious creatures. Sometimes they drop right in and other times they like to fight.

Patience will prevail here.

 

Thanks very much for the help.

The level thing may be exactly what is causing me some problems. Motor is out but sitting on its K member.
I'll get a chair and keep going at it until it give up.

 

You may find that you have to give it some force to filly seat. Let me preface that at no point should you get out a persuader (hammer) of any size. The fit through the valley is pretty damn snug and sometimes requires a little force to get past. After that its smooth sailing.

 

Ohh...I'm with you...no hammer.
I have the gear through the opening but its like the ends aren't clocked the same so it just can't line up.
I did try rotating the engine and putting downward force on the drive to get it to seat but I think the melling shaft might be a little off center due to unlevel condition.

 

I agree it is probably off center ever so slightly. Just be patient with it, and you will get it.

 

Did ya try the new intermediate shaft in the fit in the bottom of the plastic drive. It may be a hair large on the OD or have a burr on the female part, to slip together