Guys,
I have finally pulled the pan and removed the oil pump in hopes of finding out why my oil pressure is low at idle. By looking at the oil pump, is there a way of seeing that the bypass is open?? Can you check to see if is somehow?? I got a new pump to put back on already, but everything is identical on both of them. In having the pickup brazed on, what is the method of insuring no damage is done to the pump from overheating??

Thanks for all the great help so far...I'm learning so much!!



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Bill C.
'71 SS (now with 468BBC)
ACES #2780
Colo Spgs, CO

Bill,
If the valve is stuck open, you should be able to see the difference through the hole where the spring is. Take the cover off the old pump and see if you can move the valve with a small screw driver. The only way I know of to be certain you do not hurt the pump while brazing is to remove the cover, remove the pin holding the spring and valve in place, then pull out the spring and relief valve. This is really a very simple operation, all you need is a small punch and a 10mm wrench for the cover bolts. After brazing, put it all back together, making sure the valve moves freely in its bore.
We usually just tack weld the pickups with the MIG welder...much faster and hardly no heat gets to the spring.

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100