Priming oil Pump

[M37AJT]

I have an oil leak that is coming from the cover on the oil pump. Is it ok to just remove the cover and replace the gasket? The problem I can see is priming the oil pump.
I have seen some post about packing the oil pump with Vaseline. Would this be ok or should I remove the pump and prime the oil pump with oil? Thanks.

[ashyers]

Had the same issue.

Pulled the pump, checked the internal clearances, replaced the square section O-ring, put a bit of assembly lube on the rotors and fired it back in. Primed instantly .

I'd suggest you pull the pump and inspect it, it doesn't take much time and will give you piece of mind.

Andy

[M37AJT]

Thanks for the reply. I have been having trouble finding the gasket that goes under the cover plate. Does anyone know a place that has the gasket? p/n 7744135

[NAM VET]

Don't use vasaline, it is not miscible with the engine oil, and will plug up important passages. Use a little bit of engine assembly oil, it is designed to quickly mix with the motor oil. Then submerge in engine oil and turn the gears to fill it with motor oil. I use Red Line engine assembly oil for lots of things, even on my guns, almost liquid at room temperature, won't dry out waiting for the motor to be started. And mixes fine with motor oil.

NV

[ashyers]

The O ring is in the fel-pro engine rebuild set. Unfortunately they don't list a p/n on the box.

[NAM VET]

For my engine rebuild, which I hope to start in a few days, I ordered this set:

http://www.moparmall.com/1948-53-Dodge- ... -xxx_m.htm

But I am sure they won't break down a box to sell just one gasket or O ring. But I wanted a metal head gasket, and this set has one. Sorting thru the box, it looks like a nice set, and came in the mail in a big sturdy flat box, if anyone is considering a gasket set. I ordered a new pump from VPW, it would be cheaper than buying a whole gasket set just for a single O ring, for sure. Came all nice and sealed in a box from the '60's. Wish you luck...

NV

[M37AJT]

Thanks Guys, I think I will pull the pump and check out the gasket and the pump wear, then I may just order a new one.
Thanks again for all your inputs!

[M37AJT]

Well I pulled the oil pump and opened it up to the replace the gasket. I found an O-ring that looks like it will work. Got it from McMaster.com p/n 5018T212
Primed the pump and got it installed and it looks like it is working ok.

[ashyers]

Thanks for posting the P/N.

Please post back in a few miles with an update!

[ZGjethro]

Two questions here. Can you pull the oil pump,and reinstall it, without messing with the distributor? I really hate pulling the lines and wires off of the distributor.

I have a leak from the five sided plate on the back of the oil pump. This is the same o-ring we are talking about right?

[ashyers]

ZGethro,
Yes, if you're careful . Put it at TDC on the compression stroke just in case and mark the pump's gear position with a sharpie when you pluck it out.

Yes, that's the O-ring.

Andy

[M37AJT]

Yes that is the o-ring I replaced. Yes you can pull the pump with out massing with the disc., But you may have to move the rotor a little it get the pump back in.
If you pull the pump and replace the o-ring be sure to reprime the pump.

[just me]

Don't need to remove the vent lines. Just pop the cap, wires and all, remove the mount bolt and pull it up an inch if you have to. Or, just wiggle the rotor to engage. (Takes two people unless you have gorilla length arms.)

[M37AJT]

(Takes two people unless you have gorilla length arms.)

I like that!!

[Elwood]

Well I pulled the oil pump and opened it up to the replace the gasket. I found an O-ring that looks like it will work. Got it from McMaster.com p/n 5018T212
Primed the pump and got it installed and it looks like it is working ok.

I don't have the OEM gasket handy to look at, but I thought the oil pump cover gasket is a square profile O-ring? That McMaster-Carr p/n is a circular profile ring.