Classic/Antique Car Repair: oil pump timing, Oil pump installation procedure.

Question
I am rebuilding a 47 m5 Studebaker and I would like to known if i have to time the oil pump and if so what is the best way of doing it, i am a experienced mechanic but i have never worked on something this aged, thank you for your last answer and hope i don't need you again thank you

Answer
Yes, as with most L head engines, the oil pump is keyed to the distributor, so the engine must be stopped at the firing point for #1 cylinder before installing the pump.  Make sure the crank pulley is stopped at the 0 degrees point (TDC) and that both valves are closed in #1 cylinder (to make sure you are on the compression stroke and not the exhaust stroke) - you may have to go around another 360 degrees on the crank to get on the compression stroke since this is a 4 stroke engine.

Once you have the crankshaft at this position, you can install the oil pump.  You probably already have the distributor out of the engine, but if you do not, be prepared to wiggle the rotor back and forth as you insert the oil pump, so that the distributor drive engages the oil pump correctly.

When you have everything right, the rotor will be pointing at the location of the #1 plug wire socket on the distributor cap.

Dick