I just removed my intake manifold to replace the lifters and pushrods. While the intake was off I figured I should check the oil pump drive gear for wear. I got it out, (was kind of a pain because I have a billet body for the oil pump drive) but it looked fine. When reinstalling the oil pump drive I tried to line the gear up with the motor and set it in place, I used a mirror and light to see where the gear was supposed to line up. When trying to drop it in, it took a little smack with a screwdriver and a little turning to get it to seat and bolt down. The body can move independently of the gear but I'm not sure if the gear moved or not.
My question is: is it possible to install the oil pump driveshaft and bolt it down without the gear lining up with the motor? If so, is there any way to make sure it is lined up correctly before bolting the intake manifold back down?

 

The bottom of the drive has to line up with the slot on the oil pump drive shaft. So, it takes a little tweaking to get it to sit just right, because the gear twists as it goes down and engages on the cam. It's not going to sit down all the way, unless it is engaged. If you want to make sure it is engaged, spin the engine with the starter and see if you have oil pressure. Make sure you have disabled fuel and spark, first.

 

Okay I got the oil pump drive to seat down all the way and bolted it down, but I still want to test and make sure it's in there right. With the fuel pump fuse removed and the coil and ignition module unplugged I shouldn't get any fuel or spark correct? None of the injectors are plugged in and neither is the opti, water pump temp and whatever other connectors are on the intake manifold. I also have not set the valve lash yet and still have the alternator and belt removed to access the rockers. Is it okay to crank it over like this?
Thanks for the info.

 

That should be ok. If the plugs were out, that would make it easier to spin, since the valve lash is not set.