dodgebrothers

Anybody ever replace their oil pump on a small block (engine in the car)? I'm about to do my '73 340 Challenger and am wondering whether the front suspension will need to be undone to drop pan, or it it can "wiggle" through?

Thoughts?

airfueleddie

Why do you want to change the oil pump? Just curious? Lack of pressure?

AmericanMuscleCarRev

Yeah, why are you changing the pump?

Anyway, you'll have to raise the engine.

There's not enough room to drop it past the main caps and crank.

Good Luck tho.

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dodgebrothers

Main reason is periodic "clatter" at start up. The gauge (factory rallye) appears to show good pressure but I know these gauges are notoriously inaccurate. It is more an "insurance" policy.

I did get it in, required dropping suspension as it is a 6 qrt pan

Thanks for responding though...

lear4406

I did this same thing for a friend many years ago. 80s I believe. All it was in the end was the distr. shaft had rounded out and it caused it to slip while turning the pump. So just to make sure, pull the dist. and then note where the shaft is pointing. Pull the shaft and check for wear. Oil pumps are the most lubercated of the parts in the engine and will likely never wear out under normal conditions. Also don't go with a high volume unless a change in the deeper pan is in order. I don't think we dropped the suspension when we pulled the pan. I hope this helps.