Oil Pressure Booster Plate Query

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by Mario 1973, Apr 8, 2023.

  1. Mario 1973

    Mario 1973 Member

    So I've bought booster plate kit for my 1971 350 engine. I'm not intending to replace gears/rebuild the pump. The instructions talk about using a feeler gauge, checking clearance and using shim gaskets however my kit only came with one paper and one plastic (mylar) gasket? I'm guessing I don't need to do this step as not rebuilding the pump? So it's just pack housing with Vaseline to hold gears in, paper gasket between cover and plate, mylar gasket with very thin layer of rtv each side between plate and housing then torque to spec? Will I need to prime the pump as well if not rebuilding? Bit nervous about this. Many thanks!
     
  2. Stage 2 iron

    Stage 2 iron 480 IRON HEAD STAGE 2

    Contact Ta Performance, they have a gasket kit for the oil pump with different thickness, gaskets to get the correct clearance.
     
  3. Stage 2 iron

    Stage 2 iron 480 IRON HEAD STAGE 2

    Whatever you do, do not use any kind of sealer on the gaskets. And yes, you will need to prime the pump.
     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    ALL your questions are answered in this thread,

    https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/oil-pump-clearances-and-oil-pressure.326597/

    Anytime you disturb the seal between the timing cover/pump cover, you should verify oil pressure by spinning the pump, BEFORE starting the engine.
     
    Max Damage and Stage 2 iron like this.
  5. Mario 1973

    Mario 1973 Member

    Thanks for all the advice. Next question having read the post I was referred to is do I even need to bother with booster plate? Have verified oil pressure with 2 gauges and I'm pretty much exactly 10psi/1000rpm even at hot idle. (7psi at 700 rpm)
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The booster plate and blueprinting the internal clearances will improve your hot oil pressure. Your choice. As long as you have 10 psi/1000 RPM, you have sufficient oil pressure.
     
  7. Max Damage

    Max Damage I'm working on it!

    Examine the pump cover plate for scoring. If there is wear, then the booster plate will improve the pressures.
     
  8. Mario 1973

    Mario 1973 Member

    Thanks, so after have removed pump cover and installed booster plate can I make an oil pump prime tool run off a drill with a screwdriver or do I need a specialist tool? (Being in UK hard to get an old distributor or the correct tool)
     
  9. Max Damage

    Max Damage I'm working on it!

    If you have a big screwdriver that you can cut off that works. Or if you can source a scrap distributer, that could be good too.
     
  10. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes, use an old socket over the screwdriver as well so the tip doesn't slip out of the slot.
     
    Mario 1973 likes this.
  11. Mario 1973

    Mario 1973 Member

    Great so as only moving oil pump drive and not rotating engine im guessing if I mark distributor location before I remove and put back in same location afterwards my timing wont be affected?
     
  12. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes. I would rotate the engine until it is at TDC on #1. Confirm that by removing the Distributor cap and make sure the rotor is pointing at the #1 tower and not the #6. Then make a mark on the distributor collar and timing cover.

    An alternate is to remove all the spark plugs, and spin the engine over with the starter motor until you see pressure on your gauge.

    Your choice.
     

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