I was changing out my HEI distributor for a new one and when I was taking it out the oil pump drive shaft came out with it. I'm not sure where to go from here?? Is it possible to take the old one off and put it on the new distributor or do I buy a new one? Can I even put the drive shaft in from the distributor hole? Thanks

 

I have had this happen before. At the time I did not know it was not supposed to do that, so I put the replacement distributor back in like the old one came out. I never had a problem. I would try to use the old shaft if it is not bent.
Put it back in lining up the rotter to the same position when pulled out.

 

Is there some kind of screw or something holding the rod to the distributor because I can't get it out.

 

Nope, no screw. It's just resting in there (on both the dist. and the oil pump ends).

Pull harder.

- Eric

 

There is a keep on the shaft. That is why, if the shaft is stuck to the distributor, it comes out hard, it is pulling itself from the keeper. I don't know why they stick to the distributor, and you pull the keeper off, but it happens all the time. I have had it happen, my son also did, and have heard of many others. You can use the old shaft if it is but bent, or messed up on the ends. Just make sure you drop it into the pump, and not into the pan. Been awhile since I did this, and not sure it can drop into the pan, but look first and make sure.

 

Just grab on to it with a vise grips in the center, and whack on the vise grip until it slides out! The look down into the hole and place it back into the oil pump after you clean it up!! It generally will not be bent!

They tend to come out with distrib. on older motors!!