Another Oil Pump Bolt Failure

NC_Mog · Post by **NC_Mog** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:26 pm

So after less than 3000 miles, another bolt broke on the oil pump. I'm not sure if its the one I replaced or another bolt. The first clue was a washer stuck to the drain plug during an oil change.

How long do these bolts last before they fatigue and break?

Profpinz · Post by **Profpinz** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 5:50 pm

Never really heard of that problem before... more likely they have been "overstressed" by the mechanic during a rebuild or pump replacement.

Jim LaGuardia · Post by **Jim LaGuardia** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:06 pm

Pull the pump and make sure the 2 locating sleeves are in position.
Are you running thick oil? 30wt or 20-50wt is best.

NC_Mog · Post by **NC_Mog** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 8:22 pm

I'll pull the pump later in the week and check. Thanks Jim.

I'm running 10W-30.

NC_Mog · Post by **NC_Mog** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 5:59 pm

Update: Much to my surprise, there were no broken bolts. However, the two bolts closest to the drive gear had backed out and were lying in the bottom of the oil pan.

I don't recall the specifics of when I reinstalled the pump, but I might have re-used the original lock washers on these two bolts. I plan on getting two new lock washers and re-installing. I wasn't planning on using any thread locking compound. Opinions?

NC_Mog · Post by **NC_Mog** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:03 pm

Update: I got all the parts and tools assembled to heli-coil the holes and safety wire the bolts.

The new issue...the holes are too close the the oil pan skirt. The drill chuck and body interfere with the skirt so that you can't drill straight. I'm now looking for a drill extension and a tap extension.