How to Change a Small Block Chevy Oil Pump
Changing the oil pump on a small block Chevy engine can be a challenging project, but with a little planning and mechanical aptitude, it can be done in a few minutes' time. The Chevy small block V8 motor was used in so many different vehicles over the years that it would be impossible to list all the variations here, so for the purpose of this article we will only address the process of changing the pump and not the process of getting to it in the car.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- SAE wrench set
- SAE socket set
- Oil drain pan
- Oil pump
- Oil pan gasket
- Torque wrench
Instructions
-
-
1
Drain the oil from the engine and catch it in a drain pan. Remove the oil pan retaining bolts and remove the oil pan from the engine.
-
2
Locate the oil pump on the bottom of the engine. It is located near the rear of the engine and has a tube and screen located on it. This is the oil pump pickup and may or may not come with the new pump.
-
-
3
Remove the two retaining bolts for the oil pump and the nut that holds the pick up to the stud on the rear of the engine. You can use a socket and ratchet to remove these, but you may need to put an extension on the ratchet to reach the bolts.
-
4
Pull the pump off the engine block, removing the pump, pickup and oil pump drive shaft as a unit. The drive shaft slides into the engine above the oil pump and engages the bottom of the distributor.
-
5
Install the new oil pump, drive shaft and pickup as an assembly onto the engine block. Use the original retaining bolts to secure the pump to the engine and tighten them with a socket and ratchet. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications with a torque wrench.
-
6
Install a new oil pan gasket on the engine block. Place the oil pan on the block and install the original retaining bolts. Tighten them with a socket and ratchet, then go back and torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications with a torque wrench.
-
7
Fill the engine with new oil. This is a good time to change the oil filter while you are at it. Be sure to prime the oil pump before the first start up. This can be done by turning the engine over with the ignition disabled to pump oil through the engine.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Packing the oil pump gears and impeller with petroleum jelly is a simple way to prime the oil pump prior to starting, and the petroleum jelly will break down in the oil without causing damage.
Make sure the oil pump drive shaft is seated in the base of the distributor or the pump will not sit flat on the block.
