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I have a fresh overhaul in my M37 230.CI. I have developed an oil leak (drip) which I thought was the pan gasket, but I now believe it is the oil pump where it bolts to the block. Is it possible to remove the pump to change a gasket without having to disturb the distributor which will require re timing? thanks

Yes you can remove the pump and not the distributor. I did mine that way last summer to repair a leaking cover plate on the pump. Slide it out carefully and take note of the shaft postion upon disassembly, try not to disturb it. It should slide back in without effort. Inspect your pump cover plate to make sure it is not leaking as well

Thanks for your help. Thought I might pull distibutor cap and mark rotor position to make sure it doesnt change when we re install pump

Really the distributor is no issue at all. What you need to be sure of is that the oil pump shaft is timed correctly when it meshes the camshaft gear. That is the determining factor as to whether the distributor installs correctly. The distributor only installs 1 way in a stock set up; the oil pump can be a tooth or 2 off with the cam and screw up the whole show.

I will attest to Charles' advice-mine is installed in such a way that my "number one" plug wire position is where "number three" should be, according to my 9-8030 manual. Just haven't had the time (or temperature) to correct it, and it runs just fine.
Gary