Motorcycle Repair: oil pump, oil pump, sportster

Question
1977 sportster xlch
Hi I am trying to refit the oil pump on my sporty without removal of the timing case. every time I push he pump up into place and twist to align the gears the case slips apart and the inner plate moves off its alignment pin. how can i keep the unit together tight enough so it can be refiited. there must be an easy way and not so frustrating

cheers
Derek

Answer
I am a little confused as to what is slipping apart. Align the pump with the hole and slowly slide it up. If the gear on the oil pump and the pump drive gear dont align the slide the pump out and move the gear ont he oil pump just a hair. Keep doign this until it meshes. Once you get it started then put your bolts int he pump to keep it aligned. Once you can start them into the case you can use them to pull the pump in.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike