The first time I dropped an oil pump shaft in the pan was a night before I was suppose to drive to work the next day.  Seemed like a disaster at the time.  Funny how all those disasters don't seem so bad now.

The last 5 Y blocks I have torn down had the star washer in the wrong place, apparently.  And the last three ARP shafts I have bought have been updated, so I apologize if I upset anyone, but my experiences dictated my response.  The new ARP shafts do have a square end for the oil pump, and a pointed end for the distributor, with the star washer at the distributor end.  Mine installed just fine with their instructions.  Joe-JDC

JDC

In defense of everyone on this thread, I think everyone is correct. At least 2 different styles of intermediate shafts, one same size end to end and another with a larger mid section and two different sizes of star washers, I can see several combinations that will work. If the intermediate shaft is installed with nothing rubbing/binding and the shaft won't pull out with the distributor then it's assembled correctly. If the shaft is not the correct length as mentioned above, then that's a different issue. Sounds like an individual thing depending which style parts you have. I cant add to this because too many years have gone by since I rebuilt my engine.  Can't remember if I used a star washer at all since the ARP shaft was the style with a larger mid section.


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

At least 2 different styles of intermediate shafts, one same size end to end and another with a larger mid section and two different sizes of star washers

One style shaft being discussed is the OEM Shaft.

The 2nd style shaft being discussed is aftermarket, ARP. The retaining washer used on the ARP FYB replacement shaft is too small and placed by ARP on the wrong end of their shaft. I think the reason they are doing this is the placement of the washer on later engines such as FE. They are simply confused.

Now just to add a little more confusion, FORD used different shaft lengths according to the style of oil pump (gerotor - gear) used. Add to that, CARDONE use of SBF re-man distributor with the wrong length rotor shaft.

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HOLY COW different lengths a new piece of the puzzle 

According to the info in the link below, it was a change during 60/61.  If that is the case, then it is not strictly the pump style which determines the correct shaft, since both the gerotor and gear pumps existed before 60/61.

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/FindPost137028.aspx


Lawrenceville, GA

According to the info in the link below, it was a change during 60/61.  If that is the case, then it is not strictly the pump style which determines the correct shaft, since both the gerotor and gear pumps existed before 60/61.

OK.

FORD used both styles. The gerotor replaced the gear style (FORD). But you cannot buy a new gerotor pump. Now did either FORD or aftermarket suppliers mention the difference in length of shafts or pump height when replacing? Might be a reason(s) some report strange shaft wear.

Now I want everyone to remove their pumps and compare shaft lengths ...

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Bad, K. But you always make me smile.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Bad, K. But you always make me smile.   

I have the same effect on women ...

They must think I have a cute butt also as when I walk past one, will occasionally here them whisper, "... what an a$$ ..."

... wait a minute ...

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The ARP shaft that I purchased did not have a washer.  This surprised me when I opened the box. Perhaps I received an oil pump shaft for a different engine?  I took the extra length on the oil pump end as a way to fine tune the shaft for each application.  It sounds to me like there are a number of different styles of these shafts.  As long as the pump turns without binding and the shaft can't come out with the distributor, the motor does not care which one you use.   I have never seen a YBlock oil pump shaft break.  Ted probably has. From my experience, the weakest link in a YBlock are the stock push rods.  I useed tubular push rods and so far so good.