I just dropped a rebuilt 350 TBI engine into my 1994 GMC K1500 this weekend. What a job!!! I now have more and the utmost respect for the automotive techs out there than I ever did before. I can see why their expertise comes at a premium price sometimes.
First off, is there a simple way to prime the engine prior to starting? The machine shop I bought this engine from has an air driven unit, but I can't get it until sometime tomorrow. Last day I have off from work is tomorrow. What could be used to turn the oil pump shaft while it's sitting in the vehicle? I read somthing about a 1/4" drive extension with a 5/16" deep socket that could be used to spin the shaft...will this work?
As to the distributor; If I set the #1 piston at TDC and 0 degrees timing on the balancer, can't I just drop in the distributor? Once the distributor marries up with the oil pump shaft, and the rotor is in a particular position, won't that position become the #1 plug wire for firing? I would assume that the rotor has to be dead centered on one of the distributor cap terminals once the distributor is seated, right?
Lastly, should I be concerned if the starter will mesh with the flywheel properly? When I installed the starter, it appears that there is a small "gap" on the bottom and side towards the engine relevant to the starter housing. The bolt holes in the new block match up with the holes in the starter housing so I'm not sure why there's a "gap"? Ideas??
Any help or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks. Andy