Bullet Proof Oil Pump??

[schuvwj]

Dennis it seems many of us have made many modifications to our MMs.

We have already seen a couple threads and pics showing the nasty outcome of a failing OEM oil pump in our 4.6L engines. Especially without oil dummy lights warning us of a sudden loss in oil pressure.

Is there a manufacture that produces a "bullet proof oil pump" modification that we should be looking at along with your next project to produce a dummy light for us?

[SergntMac]

I can't comment on what Dennis may have in mind, Bill, but looking at this from my point of view, the cost of upgrading what LM sells us, is very expensive.

And this is a shame too, Bill, because we're caught between one side of LM that appreciates our desire and intent to make the MM "popular" among automotive enthuiastisis, while the other side meters out discipline for turning screw one.

I've peeked at this issue too, and I see (straight up now) labor rates between $890.00 and $1190.00 for an "upgrade" to our oil pumps and gears. That's just labor, okay?

The Ford Racing catalogue suggests that oil pump upgrades for our DOHC MMs are like 89 bucks a pump. Cool, no sweat, eh?

But...our upgrade billet oil pump gears, which is the short comming we suffer from, are like 300 bucks per set!

Ouch! Add it all up, Bill, decide for yourself if it's worth the effort.

IMHO....It's not. But, that's me and my MM, you may see differently?

[the fat bastid]

hummm..well sarge, you are usually one to advocate 'better safe then sorry' at least with the rear end issues. i guess it comes down to when the pump will fail. at some point $300 for parts is better then a new engine.

2 questions. maybe replacing the whole thing would be cheaper? (if possible)
where is the oil pump and what does it look like?

[Mike M]

Thats alot of labor!!!
My Alldata Sysem says 11.2 hours.
Might be easier to blow up the engine and after the very large hole develops in block you can gain access to the pump with much less work.

[MAD-3R]

Oil pump (http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php?photo=352&password=&sort=1&cat=500&page=1)


Here's what one looks like when it goes south.

It is located, center, front, low, behind the lowest pully.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by the fat bastid
hummm..well sarge, you are usually one to advocate 'better safe then sorry' at least with the rear end issues. i guess it comes down to when the pump will fail. at some point $300 for parts is better then a new engine.

2 questions. maybe replacing the whole thing would be cheaper? (if possible)
where is the oil pump and what does it look like?

You're right Fat, I usually argue for preventive measures. However, in this case, it's difficult for me to consider spending upwards of 1500 bucks for just an oil pump upgrade. If I'm going to open up the engine, I'm going to upgrade the bottom end.

That's a little more money, yes, but there's a lot more benefit to it. So, while I'm waiting for my pump to go, I'm saving up for a VT stroker kit. If the engine lasts until the first snow, the car will be down for the winter, and in the spring...

[Dennis Reinhart]

Its about as easy to pull the motor in my opinion, it can be done in the car. The valve covers have to come off the whole front cover the both timing chains, its not for the novice the billet oil pump gears come from SHM and there about 800.00 I would use his oil pick up tube also, and I would install a widage tray. The pick up tube would have to be modified some for our car, I will offer this kit with in the next few months along with a oil preasure light and relay kit that will shut the car down if OP gets low, my next project is a 03 Cobra Motor with Vortech T Trim, and itwill have the oil pump upgrade.

[schuvwj]

Dennis thanks for the feedback!

Please lets us know when you have resolved our oil pump issue.

[SergntMac]

Well, as I've come to expect, throw some attention on something, and lot's of opinions come out of the woods.

I had a conversation with an engine specialist I have come to trust, who suggested what I posted earlier. Replace the oil pump gears with billett gears, and as long as you're in there, throw in a "high performance" oil pump, such as the pump available from Ford Racing.

While passing that aloing to another "specialist," his opinion was to not replace the oil pump with anything high performance, and keep the stock pump designed for the engine.

His reasoning was that the "high performance" pump could pump too much oil into the lifters and lock them, causing the rockers to hold the valves open and allow them to smash into the piston on the return trip.

In theory, I suppose this is possible, "floating valves" is not new to me. But, is it probable...Likely, in a DOHC engine?

Or, was I talking to another "talking head/desktop racer?"

Anyone care to venture an opinion?

[Dennis Reinhart]

I agree with Mac the billit gears is just what you want, the the pick up is ok and the windage tray is good for several HP

[schuvwj]

Thanks Mac and Dennis for your feedback! I like the idea about shutting down the engine when oil preaure is lost along with a dummy light!
LM should of had this feature to start with.
Count me in for one of Dennis dummy light and shut down mod when available.
Great ideas!

Thanks!