I've found a good IP off and '84 300DT at my local pick & pull. I plan on pulling it later today, but I'm a bit confused about the lock pin on the '84's and '85's.

Do I need the lock pin to pull the IP off a junker? Or is that just for install?

Thanks!

AFAIK, the locking pin helps keep the IP timed to the engine you're pulling it from; so that you don't have to match the IP to the engine when re-assembling. Since you're going from engine A to engine B you will have to manually retime, and using the pin shouldn't be necessary. Probably.

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The lock pin only secures the rotating shaft to hold the timing in a given position. You don't need it to pull the IP.

You do need to remove the single bolt at the very bottom of the IP on the rear side.

I can usually get my hand back there to loosen that bolt when timing ...but is it absolutely necessary to remove the oil filter housing to pull the IP...or does that just make the job more convenient?

Folks have removed and reinstalled the IP without removing the oil filter housing. It does seem like a feat for a contortionist.

well...we'll see how it goes...I'm off to pull-a-part...thanks for the advice!

Yank the filter housing, it will save you alot of time

__________________
$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment