oil pressure/pump question

[78Chief]

I read that an oil pressure level of 13 psi at idle and a minimum of 37 psi at 2000 rpm is ok. Mine goes right up to the red part at idle and stays at about 30 around town. On the highway it is right at 40 so I have been ok with this. Today I wasn't on the highway but I was going around 50 mph for a couple miles and it would never get above 20. Is there anything besides the oil pump I should check out? Also, I was looking for a new oil pump but at the web sites I went to it said I had to buy a rebuild kit and could not get a new pump. Whats up with this?

[ibnfe]

The oil pump sits inside the front timing cover. What the rebuild kit includes is both pump gears, relief valve and spring, and the pump cover plate seal. The pro to this is it's an easy job, easy access. Downside is if the timing cover is worn from the old pump, it has to be replaced, and they aren't cheap. Obvious scoring is bad, but if it looks OK, then check the gear end clearance after installing the new gears to be sure. The book has the gear end clearance and side clearance specs. Lemme know if you need them. :D :D
Oh yeah, forgot to add: My pressure running over about 1800 RPM is 55-60 psi, at idle fully warmed up I'm sitting at about 40. Any symptoms of a drop or loss of pressure and I'm most definately gonna look after it. If your rig leaks oil, that would be the first check!

[ July 08, 2001: Message edited by: ibnfe ]

[tuckers89GW]

78,
From everything I've read here on this site 10 lbs per 1000 rpm is acceptable. I would also check your gauge as they aren't the most reliable or accurate. Also try running 20W-50 weight oul. That helped mine alot. But rebuilding the pump is a very easy job. best of luck

[tito]

Hey newly registered member, even though I've been visiting for probably over a year. Thought I would pass on a tip about doing the oil pump rebuild.

If the gear with the shaft will not pull right out, put some old hose pieces over the tips of vise grips and pull it out by pulling on the gear lobes. Alternate pulling on the gear around the shaft so it will come out straight. Mine still got stuck 1/2 way out, fortunately there was enough clearance to lock the vise grips (with the hose) on the gear shaft and I was able to leverage it the rest of the way out with a prybar. I found this to be a lot easier than removing the distributor and tapping the gear out with a dowel. Just a nickel's worth of experience I thought I'd pass on.

Good Luck.


:cool:

[tuckers89GW]

I got lucky on mine. I did it the same time as I put in a new distibutor. It fell right out.