oil pump torque question

[k2lemon]

currently doing a cam swap afm/dod delete, engine in oil pan on.

 

I am a mechanic (not automotive) so I know fasteners feel.

 

I was torquing down the oil pump to 18ft lbs and it felt questionable. What I mean is torque wrench clicked and I doubled checked and I was able to get more rotation from each bolt. I slowly drew each one in again till click. I backed out the bolt to see if a gasket was being pinched but it all looked good. I torqued the pump down again and same issue. Now I am questioning myself.

 

I know from  reading and watching that some guys have had oil pressure issues after disturbing the pump and an alignment tool was a recommended.

 

Question is for those that have done this type of work before.

 

Thanks

[newdude]

8 minutes ago, k2lemon said:

currently doing a cam swap afm/dod delete, engine in oil pan on.

 

I am a mechanic (not automotive) so I know fasteners feel.

 

I was torquing down the oil pump to 18ft lbs and it felt questionable. What I mean is torque wrench clicked and I doubled checked and I was able to get more rotation from each bolt. I slowly drew each one in again till click. I backed out the bolt to see if a gasket was being pinched but it all looked good. I torqued the pump down again and same issue. Now I am questioning myself.

 

I know from  reading and watching that some guys have had oil pressure issues after disturbing the pump and an alignment tool was a recommended.

 

Question is for those that have done this type of work before.

 

Thanks

 

 

The alignment tool is needed for re-using the old pump.  If you are replacing with a new pump, no need for the tool.  If you are re-using the old pump and do not have the alignment tool, GM says the pump must be replaced.

 

As for the bolts:

 

Quote

If installing a NEW oil pump or reusing an existing oil pump, upward pressure must be applied to the oil pump while tightening the fasteners. If REUSING an existing pump and EN-51267 is installed, contact between the oil pump housing and the oil pump alignment tool must be maintained while oil pump bolts are tightened. Prior to removing the oil pump alignment tool, ensure that there is no gap between the oil pump housing and the tool. If there is a gap, the oil pump bolts need to be loosened and the installation procedure repeated.

 

[k2lemon]

Thanks for that info.

 

I did use an existing wire loom bracket as a makeshift alignment tool on the passenger side of the pump. I figured with the gasket for the pickup between the pump and pan was going to create enough pressure for the drivers side. To be honest the pump has those isolation bushings between the housing and the bolts, there is really no play in it.