Oil pressure

**CNC-Dude** · 01-02-2015, 01:16 AM

That is sharp looking! It would be a shame for them to let it fall through the cracks and rot away or get sent to the crusher.

**Pat n Pat** · 01-02-2015, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by captbill

She needs a total make over, paint, engine, tranny etc. If that does not happen then I could only guess what will happen next. I agree, a very, very sad day!!!!!

It doesn't look like it needs paint! What is the transmission problem? You did not mention why the engine needs to be rebuilt. Does it smoke excessively. (excessive smoke to one is upper cylinder lubrication to another).

I bet a local Buick club (or any other car club) would be happy to do the work for next to nothing just for the experience.

It would be a shame to lose such a great car.

**captbill** · 04-21-2015, 12:44 PM

Just talked to my Boss and they are going to take another look at getting the ol" girl back on the road. Can get an overhaul kit for oil pump for less that $75 and that may sway their decision. Just need to know about the gasket between the pump and block. I've been told "NOT" to use it. Can anyone confirm that? HOORY the "Chief" may be back!!!!!

**firstofeight** · 04-22-2015, 03:42 AM

captbill, that IS good news. Obviously , a complete rebuild would be nice. I'll bet that dropping the oil pan will be an eye opener. My guess is that the pickup screen on the pump will be plugged. If so, cleaning the screen will make a huge difference. At this point, pulling the oil pump and checking it will be a piece of cake. Chances are good that the gears in the pump are OK. The wear, if any , will be where the gear rubs the bottom plate. And that will not be much. This wear will usually clean up with a little time and a little elbow grease and a good sand paper on a flat, smooth surface.

As for the gasket, if used it should be very thin. Think paper bag thin. I do not remember if I used one. I am not sure what the shop manual shows. Will check tonight.

PICTURES!!! Of the inside of the pan and the pick up screen.

Ben

**LONG** · 04-22-2015, 05:22 AM

sweet. its a simple gear pump and gear pumps rarely fail. drop pan and cleanup sump screen like already mentioned. not sure is pump rebuild is needed. If I lived within 100 miles I'd definitely take a look.

**LONG** · 04-23-2015, 10:26 AM

here is what to expect with the pump. I'd put the gasket between pump and block. not on oval pump cover. this pump will flow if you put it in a bucket of oil and rotate shaft by hand.

**captbill** · 04-23-2015, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by LONG

here is what to expect with the pump. I'd put the gasket between pump and block. not on oval pump cover. this pump will flow if you put it in a bucket of oil and rotate shaft by hand.

I heard a recommendation that no gaskets be used as it may decrease oil pressure.

**telriv** · 04-23-2015, 02:49 PM

You NEED to use a gasket between pump & block because of the pressures generated by the pump. As far as the cover goes there is usually no gasket installed there as this is the SUCTION side. A gasket is ONLY NEEDED when the gear lash is insufficient.

**Buick Guy** · 04-25-2015, 07:19 PM

For what it's worth the Salt Cat has never had a gasket between the pump and block. We do shim the relief spring, maybe 1/4 inch. That helps the off idle pressure only. Idle pressure is affected by all of the clearances in the engine. Unless you start in the beginning with that in mind the pump output volume v.s. the total oil system clearance will dictate the final pressure reading. The only way that you can change that is: 1: a larger pump volume, or 2: less overall clearance. My advice is to drive faster.

Doug

**captbill** · 04-25-2015, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Buick Guy

For what it's worth the Salt Cat has never had a gasket between the pump and block. We do shim the relief spring, maybe 1/4 inch. That helps the off idle pressure only. Idle pressure is affected by all of the clearances in the engine. Unless you start in the beginning with that in mind the pump output volume v.s. the total oil system clearance will dictate the final pressure reading. The only way that you can change that is: 1: a larger pump volume, or 2: less overall clearance. My advice is to drive faster.

Doug

Unfortunately drive faster is not an option for this ol girl. She is a show/parade/DARE car, which dictates, slow/idle speeds. When it's lengthy highway time she's on a trailer, short highway time she's never over 50/55 for any great distance, 20 or less miles. I'll print and add your response for my boss to hash over. Thanks.