is it "normal" for a motor rebuilder NOT installing

I'd say it goes with the fuel pump installation. almost impossible to get it to stay in there without the fuel pump on. So, if he bolted the fuel pump up for ya, then I'd say he forgot it. but in general, thats an install item.

Was it in there when the engine went to the shop?

yes sir

so many folks run electric pumps these days, that he figured it would be better for you to install it when you bolted your pump on, instead of him installing it, and it getting left in there when you put an electric pump on it.


it's also common for them to leave out the oil slinger on hte timing chain too. I know that I left it off of mine when I put it together. didn't even bother with it, not sure if it would have fit with the new wider chain anyway