[WPTA] 1500 Spitfire oil pump install

[Tim Prell]

I started the process of replacing thrust washers in my 77 Spitfire this
spring and after encouragement from a Triumph Spitfire restoration and
support forum, also tried replacing main bearings and rod bearings in
place.(for better or worse). In order to access the mid-crank rod bearing
bolts, I removed the oil pump (cover plate, inner rotor, outer rotor shaft
assembly). Now that all the work is complete and the engine spins as
expected, the oil pump inner rotor and shaft will not slide fully back into
place - it fits into its slot but stops at ~ 1 - 1.5" from fully inserted.
I can see the slot at the end of the distributor assembly and a second
opening in a plate for the inner rotor and shaft to slip through which must
be blocking the shaft. The inner rotor shaft assembly spins easily. Any
ideas on what can be displaced that won't allow the shaft to completely
slide into place would be helpful. Nothing was moved or loosened at the
distributor - I only worked on the lower end to replace thrust washers and
main plus rod bearings. Some pics attached.

thanks for feedback (at least serious feedback :-).

Tim
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