my son has a '90 Ranger with a 2.9L. Just installed new head gaskets, and intake gaskets. When attempting to install the distributor back into the hole, it will not engage with the intermediate shaft to the oil pump. It is off center in the bottom of the hole and flops around when I try to align it. I have been attempting to install it all day and am utterly frustrated.

Any solutions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

 

i had the same problem so I called in my brother. He put a ratchet on the crank pulley and slowly turned the motor by hand until it went it.

hope that helps.

 

That isn't a good idea because you have to get it timed right with the whole engine. You can really screw it up if you just go around ***** nilly turning parts.

 

I have to disagree .
Once the distributor is engaged to the cam gear , the distributor will turn with the engine. It's basicly aligning the engine to the oil pump shaft.
If he's off by one tooth there should still be enough allowance to rotate the distributor to the correct position.
There is no timing involved for the oil pump.

 

I stand corrected!

 

lol yes you did!

 

Well ,

Sit back down , it's no big deal.

 

I thought the distributor had to be put in correctly?