oil pump in a 302
 

I havea 88 f150 302. It has 181k on it and runs great, but it has low (according to the gauge) oil pressure. Can you put a new oil pump in it and get the pan down with the motor still in the truck?

I'm looking at my Chiltons, and they say yes, kinda. Apparrently, you have to go through the motions of taking the motor out, then lift it up, put it on blocks in the engine bay, but still in there, blocks where you can still get to the oil pan, and then drop the pan and go from there. But you might as well take the engine out and clean it up a bit if you're gonna go to all that trouble.

oil pump
 

Thanks, I appreciate the reply

Hipo, oil pumps don't go bad unless they seize up! Low oil pressure is almost always a bearing problem. The oil pump only provides flow. The main and rod bearings squeeze the supplied oil and make pressure. My suggestion is to first install an aftermarket oil gauge using copper oil tubing only, not the plastic stuff, it will break. An engine your age will probably most likely have less than 40 psi or so cold and roughly 15-25psi hot. Replacing the oil pump is not a solution. A new crankshaft and bearings is. Or rebuild it or replace with a reman unit or one with less miles from another truck. But, what LeClarion says about HOW to do it is correct. My bet is it just a tired old 302 and if it doesn't knock or tick constantly, let her ride. But, be in search of an engine to replace it. The old smallblock is good, but she won't last forever.

Robbie

Yes you can replace the oil pump without removing the engine, but it is a real PIA. You have to undo the motor mounts and lift the engine. Low oil pressure is a by-product of worn crank bearings and/or a worn crankshaft.

FWIW,


Connect up a mechanical gauge and check pressure, before you go to the trouble of replacing the pump. Often times fords are known for having crappy sending units.




I've replaced a pump twice in a Mustang with a double hump oil pan. THAT was a PITA. I highly doubt the single hump F150 pan could be that hard while the engine is in the truck.

You can replace the oil pump with the pan on, but it is a real PIA.

LOL! This must be a joke. Your kidding right?

Yes you can replace the pump with the pan on the motor still. Take your torch and cut a large large long hole on your pan and then take your pickup loose and your pump loose and wiggle it out.. Weld the oil pan back together. You cannot replace oil pump without taking pan off in case this wasn't a joke.