Dead Oil Pump?

[Moldy]

Morning all...

Not the best topic for my first post...

Slight problem this weekend with the Xflow pre-lit.  When cold oil pressure was around 4bar, but dropped to 2bar when warm / hot (2000rpm+)

Now there are some horrible noises comming from the engine, and oil pressure has dropped to 1bar when motoring.  At this point I managed to get the car home in a very short order.  A fine ballance between too many revs, and enough revs to keep the oil pressure up.

Yesterday morning when the engine was cold, I ran it for a few seconds, and managed to achieve 2bar oil pressure and the engine sounded much healthier, but not perfect.

So my question to you all is....

Can you remove the oil pump with the engine in situe in a pre-lit, (i.e. how long is the shaft on the oil pump) or is it a case of "engine out"?

Oh, and is there any mechanical fitting difference between the high pressure pump, and the high pressure/flow pump?

Many thanks in advance.

Moldy

P.S.  Looks like its an ideal time to change to the polo radiator thats currently sat in the garage.

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

The shaft for the pump is very short (2-3") and the pump can be removed in situ.

When you do get it out, check the drive gear teeth on the shaft for wear etc. Also check the same on the cam drive gear and on the distributor drive gear. Remove the distributor to do this and use a torch to check the cam gear. I had a near engine write off from fluctuating oil pressure, which turned out to be the gears not meshing properly due to excessive wear from unknown causes. It was probably a bent oil pump shaft, but I ended up replacing all 3 component for peace of mind.

John

[Moldy]

Thanks for the advice.  After spending sunday morning getting the twin45's off I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to get the pump out and clear of the block without the engine out.  Just attempting to get a spanner on the nuts on the underside of the cabs was bad enough, but then attempting to actually turn it when the dizzy and cabling in the way was a rude awakening. (haven't had to work in such cramped conditions for a long while, but still somewhat theraputic(sp?)

I assume that I will need to remove the middle section of the steering column to get the required clearance?

I just hope that the big ends haven't gone (would this cause the oil pressure to drop dramatically when warm?) I don't fancy attempting to get my belly under the car when its on ramps because there isn't a whole lot of space!

Now off to find someone to sell me an oil pump.  I'm thinking Burton Power Products, any suggestions guys?

Oh yes, and somewhere to sell me the rubber washers for the carbs that I have managed to nadger up.

Moldy

[stu999]

Burtons for both mate

If you have horrible noises coming from the engine, I would personally recommend that you drop the sump and have a look at the shells too.

HTH Stu.