[25stevem]

Yes, depending on your installed in the block play with a gasket in place 1/8” is a little much.

You want only .030” of installed play, but you need to use hardened shims or hardened washers to reduce the play.

I would not trust the ware property’s of a common grade 5 washer unless I had a lube hole drilled in the oil galley plug in front of the gear.

Also yes the shaft should be up in the gear since it’s the gear that keeps the upper part of the pump drive shaft contained.

Also the gear goes on the shaft such that it’s up against the dizzy body.