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View Full Version : Changing water pump. While I'm in there ...

Matthew W. Woodruff
08-25-2003, 01:37 AM
Going to change the water pump this weekend.

I have the usual low oil pressure (2o lbs highway; 10 lbs or lower on the street).

Is this the time to rebuild the oil pump or are they different projects?

Just don't want to have to take everything off again when the oil pump finally fails.
NomadJack
08-25-2003, 02:03 AM
Rebuilding the oil pump is a completely different procedure than the water pump. You access the oil pump underneath the timing cover on the passenger side. It just unbolts from the cover. You can buy a rebuild kit for not very much money and it's pretty straightforward. Just make sure you pack it well with petroleum jelly (only petroleum jelly) before you reinstall it. I would be pretty concerned about your oil pressure readings as 30-40 lbs on the highway is much more normal.
turtlejoe
08-25-2003, 02:17 AM
It would be a good time to replace the timing chain and gears, along with the front timing cover seal if it's leaking (or even if it's not).

If you do all of these together, consider dropping the oil pan and cleaning/replacing the oil pick-up. A clogged one can contribute to lower pressure readings.

Good luck! smile.gif
Joe Guilbeau
08-25-2003, 03:52 AM
Edlebrock has a reasonably proced True Roller Timing Chain for AMC-360's.

Give it a shot while you are in there.
Matthew W. Woodruff
08-25-2003, 11:37 AM
I have been told that a new oil pump won't help if the timing cover is scored from the old pump and a new timing cover won't help if the camshaft bearings are worn.

Is there any way to sort out these issues before opening the engine (and my wallet)?

I would go for a new oil pump if I could be reasonably sure of getting a decent boost in pressure.

The engine has about 165,000 miles on it; doesn't smoke, but does have a bit of rattle when it starts.
andy d
08-25-2003, 09:14 PM
with that kind of mileage, i would be looking into another motor
NomadJack
08-26-2003, 03:00 AM
Originally posted by andy d:
with that kind of mileage, i would be looking into another motorEither that or a full rebuild. I think the TSM recommends that the 175,000 mile service interval include a long-block rebuild ;) . Chances are with that kind of mileage AND low oil pressure that you are looking a replacing the main and rod bearings soon.