Yes the pump is tightly secured to the engine block. I reviewed to the EPC and saw all the parts involved in the IP timer. Yes I agree that probably the weakest area may be the spline in the IP shaft. I guess that means to replace the pump. I also thought in the screws that attach the female spline to the timing gear. Anyway the only time I have to remove the pump is during the weekend. I will order the special tools. How can anything in that area break just like that?. Could it be that I changed to Mobil-1 oil 15W50 about a year ago? I know this engine is predicted to fail due to the bent rod, but I thought it was going to be slowly. Before this happened (3 weeks ago) it wasn't smoking and the idle was smooth. Compression test cold, (because I couldn't start it) was 500psi for cylinder #1, 460-480-390-460-480. Does that sound too bad? I will keep you posted of what I find when removing the IP, and inspect the IP timer. Thank you for all the advice.

Darrel
1991-350SD
102k Mi