I'm replacing my vp44, removed the old one without aligning the keyway to the 12 oclock position.  Is it safe to bar the keyway into position without the vp44 installed?

 

Like my profile says- unskilled (But eager to be instructed)

I can't help you there but, I know the key has an arrow pointing which way it sits on the shaft. Either pointing toward the pump or to the front, I cannot remember but, very important for that key to be the right way.

 

Someone will have to chime in but, I know you need the key at the top to help see how it's lined up and not knock it out of the slot when pushing the pump back in. When I did mine I took some whiteout from the wifes office and put a small dot on the key to help see how it's lined up with mirror and lite. Some keys are looser than others when they come back from the rebuilder. So some guys use a drop of crazy glue to help if it's lose. Anyway double check which way the key is pointing, either toward the front or toward the pump is important. Even the rebuilder can get it wrong. Did the pump come from an approved Bosch rebuilder?

It came from Thoroughbred Diesel they state that it did come from approved rebuilder

Yes so long as the front cover is not un bolted and removed. There is not enough room in there for it to un mesh with the other gears. A mirror will help.

Thanks.  I thought I read somewhere that it could come out of timing because the pump provides the gear spindle.

It is true that the pump is the spindle.  But they (cummins engineers) reduced the radial clearance around the pump gear so that it could not easily leave mesh.  Go slow.  Make a mark and make sure it is turning while you turn the crank.  It was designed such that it won't bounce out of mesh while us gorillas monkey around with a pump,  BUT you will have the leverage with the crank to roll it out of mesh.  Like I said  go slow make sure it turns and doesn't get into a bind.

 

GL  HTH
Hag

Thanks.