Hello everyone, I'm in the process of replacing the Front Cover gasket on my 98 Disco I. It's been quite a learning experience, and I feel like i'm close, but i've hit a roadblock. Had to quit for the day, but thought I'd see if you all had some advice.

I've got the Front Cover back on, new front oil seal in, and all bolts torqued and all hoses and connectors attached.

I went to put the crankshaft pulley in, lined up correctly on the keyway, but it was bottoming out at least 1/4" too early (I can see that much shiny metal sticking out the front that I assume used to be under the seal).

I took it back out, and am assuming that the gear inside for the oil pump must not be seated correctly. However, I couldn't figure out a way to get it in there better. I assume if I take the Front Cover back off, I can mess with it and figure out a way to fix it, but I was hoping there was a way around that.

Anyone know of a way to get that oil pump gear seated correctly WITHOUT re-removing the Front Cover?

Thanks in advance!

 

maybe a picture or two might help