Your thoughts on re-using oil pump?

[McFox]

So my engine took a crap on me. More or less I am doing a complete rebuild. I got a 97 block for my new engine. My old engine had a Melling oil pump on it and the 97 is a stock pump. Believe it or not from the outside the 97 pump looks like its in a lot better shape. What are you guys opinions about reusing either of the pump? After shop labor fees I am very tight on money and not sure I could fork up enough for a new pump.

 

[1512gvr4]

IMO i would just buy a new oil pump. Its better to know that you have a new one in there than to have the old one crap out on you later on

 

[ThingyNess]

Take the pump apart, grab some measurement tools/feeler gauges, and see if all the clearances in the used pump are good, compared to the factory service manual spec. If there isn't any thrust wear in the oil pump housing itself, and the gears look perfect and all the clearances check out, I'd have no problem re-using a stock pump.

 

[polen]

I would suggest having a local shop taking a look at both pumps or buying a new one.

 

[McFox]

After shop labor fees I am very tight on money and not sure I could fork up enough for a new pump.

Yes I realize replacing the oil pump is obviously the best bet. However as I already stated I am short on money.

Thanks for the quick replies. I am actually having a shop do all of the work so I'll ask them to open both up and take a look at them.

 

[Agkelos]

If your old pump had less than 10K miles on it, I would maaaaybe consider it. ONLY consider it. With something like that I wouldn't take any chances, you'll end up wasting much more in the long run. I made a wrong call on reusing a semi-new water pump, back when I still thought the B18 was the best powerplant in the world. Ignorance.

Think back, maybe a desicion like this might have provoked your engine to take a crap on you in the first place.

 

[McFox]

Think back, maybe a desicion like this might have provoked your engine to take a crap on you in the first place.

No. My engine took a crap on me because the cylinders tappered out because of improper installment of Total Seal rings.

Supposedly the engine only had 5k on it when I bought it. I've learned to doubt that though.

 

[kidrabbit84]

Save yourself $200+. Spec out the pump per the factory manual. You need to measure the gap with a straight edge and feeler gauges between the front case and the drive/driven gear faces. If it specs out and the case isn't chewed up, I would run it. If you need specs, let me know.

I am doing the same for my present build. If you still get a new pump, spec it out too! There is no guarantee that because it is new it is good.

Adam

 

[boostenon114]

I always replaced my oil pump when i tare down my engines. $250 now is cheaper then rebuilding the whole motor again!

 

[InvaderGSX]

After years and years of yanking motors and trying to save $ it comes down to very simple things. Do not skimp. Replace anything that you are questioning. Oil pump is a must. Not as expensive as you think. You can get a Top Line one with all the gaskets for $150. OEM one for $160 without gaskets. Do the balance shaft removal while you are at it. Anything that is hard to get to or replace later is definitely worth replacing now. It's a DSM. You know it will break if your questioning whether or not you should replace it. I have been through at least 6 bottom ends. Always trying to save money. This last time around I even bought an Eagle crank, bought brand new crank sensor, and pretty much brand new everything as I didn't want to have to go through that crap again. Plus when you reuse stuff your pumping crap back into the engine. The key to having a good bottom end is having it clean. Once it is dirty is when the bearings go bad. If the machine shop says your 7 bolt crank needs to be machined or polished I would just get a new one. This last motor has been the longest one I have had going and the only time I bought everything new without skimping.

 

[speedmaster747]

Is better to wait and save up, than spending 10 times as much later.
Replace that pump!

 

[AKGEN1DSM]

I agree, definetly change the pump, so you don't have to worry about oil starvation and related problems later, causing more of a headache or more money spending.