Break-in gone wrong!

[T Scott]

I agree with deuce roadster. Something does not seem right. I am not totally familiar with Ford oil pumps, however I am familiar with metering gear pumps. I have never seen a gear pump that did not have tight clearances between the gear faces and outer diameter and the pump body. Maybe I'm way off base but looking the photo I don't understand how this pump can pump anything. Are these the wrong gears in this pump?

[tubman]

Originally Posted by T Scott

I agree with deuce roadster. Something does not seem right. I am not totally familiar with Ford oil pumps, however I am familiar with metering gear pumps. I have never seen a gear pump that did not have tight clearances between the gear faces and outer diameter and the pump body. Maybe I'm way off base but looking the photo I don't understand how this pump can pump anything. Are these the wrong gears in this pump?

Those are not the oil pump gears, which are down in the oil pump in the engine sump. Those gears transfer the power from the rear of the camshaft to the actual oil pump.

The gears looked funny to me too, until I realized that there was an odd perspective in the photo. As soon as I got my eyes right the optical illusion of a "dished gear" went away.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

That larger gear looks really odd to me.

As Tubman pointed out, that the back of the block and the cam gear and Idler gear (for lack of a better term). I am fixing to install that part tonight on my engine as a matter of fact!!! And the oil pump!!

[T Scott]

OK thank you Tubman. It makes more sense now.

[Kurt in NJ]

if you stick the pickup in a pan of oil will the pump pump oil?

[Bored&Stroked]

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Keep in mind that the little gear on the end of the cam might be slipping. You can probably tell by "holding the bigger gear" with something and have a friend manually turn the engine over. You'll then get to see if the cam gear is slipping. You can always check the relief valve in the pump - just to see if anything is fubared with it.

[cadillac512]

Originally Posted by Cameron Koehn

I am finding no problems whatsoever. Is it possible the oil pump had lost prime? What about bypass spring malfunction? The pickup screen was not blocked. The crank has all the gallery plugs still installed. Oil pump drive gear lash is fine. What am I missing?

Yes, it is possible the pump lost prime. How much clearance did it have between gears and pump cover? If it had a gasket there, how thick was it? Some gaskets are way too thick and will cause a no-pressure condition due to inadequate "suction" on restart after a hot oil run period. I like to see .002-.007" clearance...lower number preferable if possible.

[Cameron Koehn]

Thanks for the replies. I will get back to you all with results after more inspection.

[Cameron Koehn]

IMG_20240406_123311698_BURST003.jpg

The oil pump works when i turn it by hand in oil. I cannot make the cam gear spin. Maybe it was just a fluke??? I'm bamfoozled!

[Tim Ayers]

I doubt this was the problem, but are you able to check to make sure the oil pump pick up sits up off the floor of the pan?

[oldbugger]

Does the cam gear, from post #35 spin when you spin the motor

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Cameron Koehn

Attachment 540030

The oil pump works when i turn it by hand in oil. I cannot make the cam gear spin. Maybe it was just a fluke??? I'm bamfoozled!

[Cameron Koehn]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I doubt this was the problem, but are you able to check to make sure the oil pump pick up sits up off the floor of the pan?

yes it clears by about a half inch

[Cameron Koehn]

Originally Posted by oldbugger

Does the cam gear, from post #35 spin when you spin the motor

yes and I held the idler gear with a channellock pliars and turned the motor over and it forced the gear to turn. I could not hold it from turning.

[aussie merc]

its certainly odd but check the driving gear within the pump itself and make sure its positively locked to the shaft [keyway, dimple, weld, spline it doesn't matter ] but interference fit wont work for long . Cummins had major dramas with this in its Bigcam 3 series the pump gears would slip under load and oil pressure would disappear the fix was a new repair kit for the oil pump with keyed shaft and gear

[Ken/Alabama]

I’d change the pump since you have it out. Sounds like everything else has checked out but the pump is an easy change.

[Cameron Koehn]

Is melling m-19 worth putting in? I kept the stock pump cause some said it would be better than a new unit... Definitely not opposed to putting a new one in. The Speedway unit is cheap, but you probably get what you pay for?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Cameron Koehn

Is melling m-19 worth putting in? I kept the stock pump cause some said it would be better than a new unit... Definitely not opposed to putting a new one in. The Speedway unit is cheap, but you probably get what you pay for?

May want to check with Joe's Antique. I seem to recall he had a decent stock of US-made Mellings when they were still dependable pumps, but don't quote me on this.

https://www.joesantiqueauto.com

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Cameron Koehn

Is melling m-19 worth putting in? I kept the stock pump cause some said it would be better than a new unit... Definitely not opposed to putting a new one in. The Speedway unit is cheap, but you probably get what you pay for?

Here is my experience with a Speedway oil pump : https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ay#post1628041. I do not recommend them.

I believe "Ol' Ron" on this forum has expressed a dislike for Mellings pumps. I cannot speak for him; maybe he'll chime in.

From everything I have experienced and heard, a stock Ford pump is your best bet.

[cadillac512]

Cameron, did you have a chance to check the gear to cover clearance?