[al_xv]

To start off, I did search the forums for Oil Pump threads, but couldn't find any threads dedicated to this part. I'm hoping that's a good sign...

I'm in the middle of a HG replacement on a SOHC EJ25 (240k miles) but also looking over everything else I have access to. I pulled the Oil Pump and was planning to disassemble it for inspection, and check for tolerances, however the 5 screws holding the pump mechanism together won't budge. It looks like someone either tried or did open it up in the past as one of the phillips head screws is partially rounded out. I was careful not to do the same damage for the other screws but I honestly cant get any of them to break free and I'm not interested in causing damage or more work for myself.

I tried a regular screwdriver first, then a 1/4" drive ratchet with a #2 philips bit on a 1/4" socket. That didn't make a difference so I tried a 12" breaker bar on the socket and still cant get any of them to break free. To be fair, I don't have it in a vise as I didn't want to damage the casting. I considered an impact driver but again, concerned about doing damage either to the casting, mechanism or mating surfaces.

My question, is it even worth trying to disassemble for inspection? Is there any reason to suspect it may fail soon based on the 240k miles. So far the rest of the engine appears to be in good shape, so I have no reason to believe the pump is failing. This is just a daily driver but has spent plenty of time on the highway too.

 

[flstffxe]

Those 5 screws are known for coming loose and causing a internal oil leak/oil starvation. If someone has been in there before, they probably gave them a good dose of loctite. If they're tight, call it good.

 

[al_xv]

Oil Pump inspection - Main pump casting quality

Thanks for the response to my question. I was at the point where I was just going to put it back in as it.

However, as I was cleaning it up to put it back on, I noticed some funky spots in the aluminium casting. Photos below. Do these surface defects signify a problem that will eventually cause the pump to fail in some way?

Additionally it appears the relief valve has seen some actuation? At least there is some wear on the visible surface (again see photo). Is this concerning in anyway either?

What is the typical lifespan for an OP? If this is the original engine to the vehicle (still uncertain) then it's 17 years old w/ 240k miles. This is just a daily driver and my hope is to get another 70-100k miles out of the HG fix. If the pump can make it that long, I'll just leave it, but if it's likely to fail in 50k or less then I'd like to just get it replaced now.

Thanks again for the insight!

 

[al_xv]

... I noticed some funky spots in the aluminium casting. Photos below. Do these surface defects signify a problem that will eventually cause the pump to fail in some way?

I brought the pump with me and showed it to the machinist that re-surfaced my heads and he said nothing to be concerned about. calling it good for now...

... and no idea how to mark this solved!