all of the filter adapter bolts tighten, so, wouldn't that mean the bolts are ok. I used the same gears in the oil pump, no new parts are in it. why should the gear end clearance change?
is there a picture of where the bolts on the oil pump go? I ordered a new oil pump cover, but the other half is on the timing cover. geez, what a ball buster!
You used a new/different pump cover gasket. The gear end clearance is set by different thicknesses of cover gaskets. If you use a gasket too thin, and the gears are still protruding above the cover, when you tighten the pump cover, the cover is actually tightening against the gears.
I understand what you are saying. how do I correct it? the timing cover is back on the engine, which would make difficult to check the clearance. using 2 gaskets is a bad idea, right?
Seems to me the surfaces you are trying to seal are uneven. I have never heard of anyone having to use JB Weld in this sort of application. I don't know how you could get the surfaces completely flat again. Not sure why you even needed to do that unless you gouged the surfaces trying to pry the pump apart. We are talking about very small clearances inside the pump and the gasket thicknesses. If the timing cover is in good condition, the pump gears will normally be above the gasket surface by .002-.006" The end clearance is the measurement between the gear faces and the pump cover surface. Preferred end clearance is .002-.003" maximum. The gasket thickness determines the end clearance. If the gears protrude say .004" above the gasket surface, using a gasket .006" thick will provide an end clearance of .002". The Chassis Manuals show how to measure gear protrusion. Admittedly, it's not the most accurate or easiest way to do this, but you have to make due with what you have, See why using 2 gaskets is a TERRIBLE idea? I believe the stock gaskets you get in a kit are .008" thick. You'll increase the end clearance to the point where it will DECREASE your hot oil pressure across the board. Talk about asking for trouble. TA Performance makes a gasket assortment to dial in the end clearance. TA 1704, http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_1704 Your problem seems to be that the stock gasket is not capable of sealing the surfaces. It's a big leak. I would remove the timing cover, and either replace it, or possibly have it machined flat so it will seal. Maybe you know of a machine shop nearby? If not, I would buy a new cover from TA Performance. http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_1530
yes, I did gouge the surfaces, I used the jb weld to even them off and then sanded flat. of course, the solution is to buy the tc with the oil cover attached. TA performance, yes. just looking for alternatives.
Since the timing cover is back on the car, its tough to measure for .002 end clearance, so your going to have to do this by feel. Make sure your pump pocket, gears, and pump cover are clean and dry. Put gasket on pump cover DRY, no sealer, no adhesive, insert a couple bolts into pump cover making sure the both protrude the same amount, gently set aside making sure the gasket is still in position around bolt threads. Now insert both pump gears into timing cover, and before they fall out. grab your pump cover and install, tighten your two bolts. Crawl out from under the car, go up top and insert a good long straight blade screwdriver thru the distributor hole and engage the pump slot, and see if it turns freely, if so now to "check by feel" for excessive endplay. Grab your long needle nose pliers, make sure they're clean, go thru the hole and grab one of the pump shaft tangs, and pull up and down, if it moves up and down that's good. Now try the next thinnest gasket, reassemble using two bolts and check again. When you get to the point of the gears still rotate but you cant feel, or feel very little up and down movement (end play) your good to go. Disassemble everything again, put Vaseline in pump cavity, insert gears, make sure you use the gasket you used in the last mock up, and install the gasket DRY.
o.k., need to get an assortment of gaskets to try. meanwhile I took off the oil pump cover and the gears must have been rubbing. there are two circular patterns.
Wet sand your gouged cover on piece of glass or granite using 400 grit then 600 grit. No need to buy a new one. Slowly, all the scratches & wear marks will sand out.
Yep, that's evidence the gears did not have enough end clearance and the cover was tightening against the gears instead of the gasket. Check the gear pocket also. Call TA Monday and order their shim kit. http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_1704
Pete, If your profile info in accurate I give you all the respect you deserve for taking on this task. I not only hope I am alive at your age, but also, hope I am still turning wrenches (on Buicks) then as well. If I lived nearby I would offer to help. March on soldier! Matt
