Block fitting

[Parazine]

Not at all helpful to you Tim, but it is possible to remove the oil pump cover with the engine in situ.  It is fiddly and best done on a ramp but entirely possible, I have done it twice.

Hi Ruairidh, yes I considered it but decided that once released, there would be oil all over the silicon gasket, block and case faces, necessitating a complete clean out. Maybe if you just lifted the block a teeny bit......?

---

Just out of curiosity how did you remove the oil pump core plug and re-fit it to ensure a good seal?

Just popped it out as normal, from underneath with a long rod once the block was off. I used another disc as the one fitted last year had seen better days on close inspection. Tapped it back in with a new gasket and plenty of sealant. Made sure this time that the plug was below the crankcase level 

---

I stand the crankcase on it bellhousing studs and then use wooden blocks under the block to match the height then slide the block into place.

Thanks Dickie, I considered this, perhaps I should have actually tried it. Maybe next time.....?