remove the oil pump on a 273

[1965belvedere2]

Im trying to remove the oil pump on my 273. I took out the two bolts and the pump moves but doesnt want to come out. The distributor is still bolted in. Should the pump just come out if the 2 pump bolts are removed? or is there something that holds it in from the top? I dont want to force or hit anything.

 

[Bird 426]

The oil pump shaft may be holding it. Pull the distributor and the oil pump shaft out.

 

[451Mopar]

It should just slip out of the rear main cap, but maybe stuck to the oil pump drive or main cap hole?
With the bolts out should be able to twist/rotate the pump. If it won't twist, its tight in the main cap.
If it does twist/rotate, it is likely stuck in the drive shaft.

 

[mj66coronet]

I'm glad you didn't force it. On a Mopar 273 small-block, you can't drop the oil pump with the distributor still bolted down.