Question concerning oil filter attachment

[badaboom]

I seem to be leaking a bit/tad of engine oil from the piece that attaches to the oil pump, this is the piece that oil filter spins onto. My question is,
If I unbolt/remove this piece that the oil filter spins onto, from the oil pump to replace the gasket or sealent will I then need to reprime the oil pump? Or is this a pretty simple fix?

What have you found to be the best sealant for this part?

Any help would be appreciated.

[ August 17, 2003, 02:45 PM: Message edited by: badaboom ]

[Cliff]

If you remove the part, replace the gasket, and reinstall right away, there is probably enough oil left to seal the gears to the housing. However, I would play it safe and pack some vaseline into the gears. It's no big deal with the cover already off.

[Ernzo]

That there is your oil pump cover on a 360. If you take it off, fairly easy, you can replace the gasket only. I would make sure everything was real clean. Be REAL CAREFUL not to ding up, scrape or otherwise mar the 2 surfaces. I agree with cliff, the pump only works if it is primed, which is is (full of oil) when NOT open. However, to simulate that state, buy the large tub of Vaseline, not Crisco, STP, Axel grease or Brillcream. Pack that sucker full, an re-attach the cover. Be REAL careful to torque the nuts evenly and not too much, or you will squish the new gasket.

Now, with that pump cover off, it is a good time to re-build the pump or at least test the pressure relief valve, but I will leave that to another day.