Thread: 396 rebuild

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I'm rebuilding a motor for the first time and need some help. The rebuild book says you need a nylon sleeve around the drive shaft of the oil pump. I don't remember anything like that when i tore it down, and there is nothing in the rebuild kit that looks close except for a nylon looking washer. Any help would be great.

Yes, you need that sleeve! or a steel one! The original may have broken off during teardown or it may have been missing ,(not good). Its function is to keep the intermediate shaft aligned with the pump. Without it the shaft can work off to the side, slip out of the pump and instant NO oil pressure..

i found a steel sleeve but it does not fit into the block. About what size sleeve are we talking?

Go to the parts store and ask to see an oil pump . Get them to show you what the sleeve looks like . You may already have it and not know it. I am looking at an old magazine ENGINES, How to make Power, put out by Hot Rod magazine.It has and excellent article on Reality 396,beginning the bargain big block. Parts one and two. You may be able to pull it up or call hot rod mag. and have them sent it to you.