oil pump

[genob2]

2k miles ago I put in a low mileage eng. in my car (110k). When I put the engine in, we replaced the rod bearings. After we started using the car again, the low pressure light would come on randomly and then go out, it didn't matter what rpm it was at. Changed the pressure sensor and the problem seemed to go a way. Then last week at a stop light; low pressure light came and it started knocking. Pulled the oilpan last night and the #3 rod bearing was spun.

My question is this; Who makes a oil pump rebuild kit?
I'm going to have the crank machined as the engine makes 175 psi of compression and we also have alot of time and money invested in seals and sensors. I'm not sure why the low pressure (main bearings,oil pump), but after the crank is machined and reinstalled, I would feel if better if the oil pump was rebuilt.

Thanks

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Id suggest you look for another cause.

I dont think Ive EVER heard of one of these oil pumps failing, or even wearing beyond spec.

Did you plastigauge the rod bearings during install?

How about replace the oil pickup-tube gasket?

 

[93rev2sev]

^^^^I'm with him and would be asking the same questions.

 

[K-Dawg]

Same here. Look elsewhere for your problem.

 

[genob2]

No, I didn't plastic guage before replacing the bearings. The bearings that were in there had STD. marked on the back when I removed them. They were in reasonableby good shape with just a little copper showing on most bearings. I just installed new STD bearings thinking it would be ok. It appears this was not such a good plan. Besides the rod bearings, what else could cause low oil pressure? Main bearings? Worn cams?

 

[K-Dawg]

My guess is that you didn't re-install the rod bearing(s) correctly. Low oil level? Blocked oil passage?

 

[93rev2sev]

I vote blocked oil passage or contamination. Do you still have the oil? I've heard that you can send your oil to a place that will perform some forensic type stuff on it to find out "what's up"..

 

[AREA 91]

No "rebuild kit" available for the oil pump.
I have seen lots of the 3.0 and 3.2 pumps.
If the engine was taken care of, the oil pump will be fine.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Please read THIS thread, especially post #22.

As in that thread, I really think you would just be better off finding another motor.

I realize you put a lot of money in that motor and you're quite fond of it, but you're going to put more in the head gaskets and such trying to save this one. I'm not a fan of crank machining in these motors just because good complete running motors are so cheap and plentiful and good machine shops are hard to find, and on top of that you have wonder if you have an oil restriction somewhere in the block or heads, if the spun bearing damaged the rod journal at all, etc. Again, I just can't imagine trying to keep it when there are so many easier and more economical options.