Tips on Oil Pump Replacement

The oil pump usually lasts almost as long as your car or truck. However, this part eventually wears out, and sometimes it can fail prematurely. Since the pump plays an invaluable role in keeping the engine cool and lubricated, you must replace the part immediately when it develops an issue.

Tips on Oil Pump Replacement

In many cases, you can replace the oil pump yourself. The overall process is straightforward, although the exact steps might vary between vehicle models and model years. But if you don’t feel confident in your DIY car repair skills, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle to a trustworthy mechanic.

The following tips can make it easier to replace the bad oil pump:

Consult the Repair Manual

Don’t start the oil pump replacement job without the repair manual for your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model. The manual will guide you through the details of an oil pump change, such as the recommended torque you must apply on various fasteners and the exact timing for engine parts like the crankshaft.

Have All Parts, Tools, and Materials On Hand

Before you start, ensure you have everything you need. The following are required for an oil pump replacement:

• Oil pump
• Engine oil
• Oil pan gasket

In addition to these, you’ll require the following tools and equipment if you want to replace the oil pump efficiently:

• Car jack and jack stands
• Extension and swivel
• High-temperature sealant
• Work gloves
• Ratchet and socket set
• Repair manual
• Safety glasses

Remove the Serpentine Belt While Draining Engine Oil

You can save time by doing certain tasks together. For example, it’s possible to remove the serpentine belt from its pulleys while waiting for the engine oil to drain from the oil system.

Draining the oil system takes some time. You’ll want to ensure there’s no risk of a messy and potentially dangerous leak before you uninstall the oil pump. But the oil system will drain on its own once you start the process, leaving you with time on your hands. If the coolant needs draining, this is as good a time as any to do that while the oil drains.

If the coolant needs to be drained, this is also a good time to drain the engine oil as well.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Fortunately, the serpentine belt isn’t connected to the oil system. You can remove the drive belt without interrupting the draining process. Furthermore, you’ll need to remove the belt to access the engine.

Use the Right Tools to Remove and Refasten Bolts

Bolts attach the oil pump and oil pan to their mountings. These bolts come in several sizes and have different heads. Use the right socket wrench and apply the recommended torque to avoid damaging them.

Use High-Temperature Sealant Correctly

High-temperature sealant improves the effectiveness of the seal between the oil pump and its connectors. It can also withstand the heat given off by the pump, used oil, and the engine.

Only apply high-temperature sealant to the seal if the repair information clearly requires it.

Check the repair manual for the recommended amount of high-temperature sealant. In most cases, a bead that measures 2-3 millimeters across will suffice. If you apply too much sealant, the extra material might break off and enter the oil system, contaminating the lubricant and causing issues like clogging and damage to components.

Furthermore, let the high-temperature sealant finish drying before adding engine oil. Lubricant might leak through the insufficiently dried seal. The recommended drying period varies between sealant products, but you can usually find it on the tube or box.

Avoid Reusing Gaskets

You’re probably thinking about retaining gaskets to use with the new oil pump. After all, waste not, want not. It’s tempting to save on expenses by keeping old gaskets.

However, it isn’t a good idea to keep using old gaskets. The seals might not show it, but they’ve already become degraded to an extent alongside the previous oil pump.

A brand-new oil pump might generate too much oil pressure for the old gaskets. There’s a higher chance of an oil leak appearing in one of the gaskets.

Instead, buy gaskets that are compatible with the replacement oil pump. These new gaskets are in much better condition to handle the heat and pressure of the oil system.

Why You Might Need Oil Pump Replacement

Here are the most common reasons for an oil pump replacement:

Worn-Out Components

A typical oil pump consists of the body, cover, drive gear, impeller, and relief valve. These components are worn down by use. This reduces the oil pump’s efficiency, leading to reduced oil pressure and erratic or insufficient lubricant supply.

Oil Pump Failure

One or more of the internal components might break, causing the oil pump to fail. Since driving with a nonfunctional pump will damage the engine, it’s best to replace the faulty part immediately.

Blocked Oil Pump

Contaminated engine oil forms a sludge that can clog the oil pump. Some contaminants can block the pump if they accumulate. A blocked pump operates at reduced efficiency and produces less oil pressure. Even if you clear the clogged part, you might still have to replace the pump if its components break down or wear out from blockage.

The most common cause of oil pump blockage is a clogged oil pickup tube. If you have a blocked pump, check the oil pickup tube for anything that clogs the passageway and clean the tube. 

Engine Rebuild and Replacement

Are you planning to overhaul the engine for custom performance? Or is it time to replace the part for reasons ranging from severe damage to upgrading your vehicle? Whether you rebuild or replace the engine, don’t forget to install a new oil pump. The old pump might not retain enough efficiency to deliver the increased supply and pressure required by an overhauled or brand-new engine.

Insufficient Engine Oil

A faulty oil pump might not deliver enough lubricant to the engine. Without sufficient lubricant, the engine’s internal components generate more friction, increasing the risk of overheating. Insufficient engine oil also increases the chance of metal-to-metal contact between the surfaces of the components, making engine damage more likely.

Symptoms of a Faulty Oil Pump

You’ll usually receive a warning that the oil pump has failed. If you drive a modern car or truck, the oil light and check engine light on the instrument gauge cluster will illuminate. The powertrain control module (PCM) will set a diagnostic trouble code that indicates reduced oil flow.

Alternatively, the low oil pressure light can illuminate in response to a bad oil pump. If this happens, check the oil pressure sender first to confirm that the problem lies with the oil pump and not the sender.

You might also hear strange sounds from the engine bay. Parts that don’t get sufficient lubrication might make clattering noises because of metal-on-metal contact, especially when you start your vehicle. Also, the faulty pump might produce a different whining sound.

Where to Get a Replacement Oil Pump

Replacement oil pumps don’t come cheap, but it’s important to get a high-quality one that fits your vehicle. Otherwise, you might end up damaging your engine and having to pay for more repairs down the line. Thankfully, you can get a high-quality oil pump at a great price at CarParts.com.

CarParts.com offers a wide selection of high-quality oil pumps at different price points, so you’re sure to find one that best fits your budget. We’re dedicated to giving you a hassle-free shopping experience, so you can find accurate and detailed fitment information for each part. That way, you can get an oil pump that’s guaranteed to fit your vehicle. With the help of our built-in vehicle selector and search filters, you can browse through our catalog by year, make, and model.

Don’t wait until your faulty oil pump damages the engine before replacing it. Check out our wide selection of oil pumps at CarParts.com and get a replacement today!