[TR] Oil Pump Pressure

[Randall]

> The 
> engine fired up with the first turn of starter & as I was 
> checking the oil pressure from the gauge, there was none.

Which is exactly why I much prefer to spin a new engine with the starter
(plugs out) until the oil pressure comes up.

> There is oil 
> that is coming from the plugs in the oil gallery when I 
> removed it, as well from the oil filter housing assy where 
> the oil pressure line comes off to the sending unit.
> Disconnecting the oil pressure line at the oil gauge line 
> connection, there is no oil coming out.

Seems to pretty clearly indicate a blockage between those two points, then.
If oil will flow out at the filter housing, it should also flow out at the
open end of the line.  Slowly perhaps, but it should happen.

> My question to the list is:
> 1. Is the pump faulty?

Seems unlikely to me; although anything is possible.  The pump design is
pretty basic, about the only failure that could cause no pressure at all
would be if the rotor was slipping on the shaft or the outer ring was
missing.

> 2. What other areas would you check to see if the oil pump is 
> circulating oil?

When you spun the pump with a drill motor, was there a load on the drill
motor ?  If not, I'd be looking at the drive to the pump.  I've heard tales
of replacement rotors being only pressed onto the shaft instead of being
located with a pin, and sometimes the press fit isn't enough to carry the
load.

But if it did pick up a load, then I'd say there is a problem with the line
to the gauge.

Also worth checking the pressure relief valve.

> 2. Rather then replace the rotors again, would I be better 
> off with a new pump

I can't see why.  Again it's pretty basic, anything sufficiently wrong to
prevent oil pressure should also be obvious.  If you can't find the problem,
you're probably looking in the wrong place.

Randall