Timberman

I'm trying to install the new pump. The keyway is aligned correctly, but I can't quite get the o-ring and the pump flush to the gear case without tightening the four nuts. The shop manual says don't use the nuts to pull the pump up tight to the gear case. However, it will take a mighty big man to do it by hand.

Any ideas? Thanks.

wyododge

I got mine pretty close just by slightly wiggling it forward. Did you put some oil on the 'o' ring? There was still a space about the width of a knife blade. I wiggled it forward, checked the key, rinse and repeat. Then tightened a little, checked the key, tightened a little, checked the key. Did I mention I checked the key? Just take her easy, take your time she will go.

Junk Man

Pump should get close easily. I put screwed the bolt in the gear to make moving the gear to the right place easy. Make sure the key is clocked correctly. You may be off just a little. A mirror helps. Search dieseldanmac vp44 on youtube if you're not done by now.

Timberman

Thanks yall. Yes, I oiled the O ring some, but not a lot. There's still about a 1/8" gap between the gear housing and the pump. I was fixing to try the tighten and wiggle route, but my dad thinks I'll tear something up.

Junk man, are you saying to run a bolt in one of the puller holes on the gear, and kind of wiggle the gear a little to coax the key in? I can see the key, it looks like its lined up almost perfect, but it isn't drawn up tight.

I also just realized that in the heat of battle I forgot to install my cam position sensor...

wyododge

If you are not absolutely sure the key is lined up, and since you were smart enough to notice you didn't do the cam position sensor (I didn't), take the pump back out, make sure the arrow on the key is pointing towards the pump, and mark it with bright paint. I used a yellow paint pen. look at the key when you pull the pump back out and see if there are rub marks on it. Mine only got to about an 1/8th inch as well.

When you put the pump back in, you will see the key very clearly. Get the pump seated as close as you can by hand, put the four nuts on and tighten in star pattern by hand. you may not have the pump in completely square, probably the bottom is in a bit further. go round and round with the nuts, and keep an eye on the key. You wont be able to tear anything up by hand. there is really nothing to tear up, the resistance you are encountering is most likely the o ring. just take your time.

Good catch on the cam sensor. I didn't and fought the darn thing for about 30 minutes!!!

I'll keep refreshing so if you run into anything else just post up.

Junk Man

Yes, I threaded a bolt into the front of the puller holes to have a handle on the gear. 1/8" is close enough. You'll know it is right if the VP slides in easily when you tighten the nuts. Put the bracket bolts in 1st (keep them loose).

I agree with pulling VP back off to do the CMP. It can be done with the VP installed but is much easier the first time without VP.

Timberman

Thanks a lot guys. I'm letting it sit til tomorrow. I think I'll follow your advice on the cps, and reinstall the pump in the am after I do the sensor. I did paint the key with a dab of white model paint, and made a little trail of paint out to the end of the shaft. You can look right through the key way and see it like a gun sight now. I appreciate the help, this forum is awesome when you get right in the middle of a project and get stuck.