Anyone ever seen this before?
I rebuilt my Challenger's 318, following precisely the "Rebuild Your Small Block Mopar" book. Unfortunately, when the distributor/oil pump drive gear went in it went in a little tight (the brass race that gets inserted in the block). When I couldn't get it back out, but it turned with engine turning, I left it in and didn't (I know I know!) prime the engine with a drill. As I had bench tested the oil pump (checked clearances and wound it by hand, seeing oil pump) I was confident it would work.
Upon start up, it would fired and all, but would BARK back through the carb. Also, no oil pressure....shut it down and tore it down and got the cam\oil pump gear out with a little work. Went to run the pump with a drill, but at was really tight as well and chunking. Pulled the pan and pump off and found the pump TRASHED!! (see Pics) Where the pump gear engages oil pump it is shredded, as though the gear wobbled and ripped the housing out. But there's NO WAY it could have wobbled.... Any ideas??