Oil Pump Question

[93shortbox]

I am replacing the oil pump in my truck due to the knocking it was making. I found this in the tech section and would like more info on it. "Some 2.3L engines (especially 1992-1993) have knocking on the lower left side of the engine. The cause is oil pressure problems. The solution is a revised oil pump and a gallery plug with a pressure damping rod." I need more info about the gallery plug, does it come with the new oil pump? Where is it located? Where can a replacement be found? Any info regarding the gallery plug will help.

 

[93shortbox]

Anyone?

 

[scotts90ranger]

I don't remember hearing about that, the only oil pump issue I know about is the pickup screen plugging with pan gasket pieces like mine did, I'm still running that pump, has about 200k miles on it now and gives great oil pressure (25psi hot idle, 50 cruising speed)

 

[93shortbox]

I finally figured out the oil gallery plug and there was a revision of the plug sometime in late 1993.

The new style plug is on the right. It was pulled from an engine made in early 1994. This plug goes in the front of the engine behind the oil pump sprocket.

 

[rdsrds123]

It looks like you can just cut the other galley plug and reuse it. That so?

 

[4b316]

No,the long plug is the new one

 

[Mikel89us]

If you are changing the pump, buy a new one. They are like $30. Don't waste your time with a used one.

 

[rdsrds123]

Yes, I know to get a good pump, but I think this engine is toast and don't want to spend good $ after bad. Maybe I'll get a new one.

This engine uses only 1 qt. of oil in 2k miles. It sounds like a good engine with a different problem other than worn out. Can anyone care to speculate further as to what's wrong?

The details: Sudden chattering and loss of pressure. Ran for 40 miles with no problem, while chattering, afterwards. Oil pressure had flickered and fluctuated several times previously while under load. Engine runs very smooth now but chatters w/o pressure. I'm thinking plugged galley or open pressure relief valve.

Vultures (friends) are hot to get this truck from me cheap. Don't want to lose it. Two Rangers sounds nice!

 

[Kenneth S]

Sounds like it spun a rod bearing.

 

[rdsrds123]

Engine runs as smooth as new, still. Spun bearings change the timing, right. I see that I have to remove the engine and trans to remove the dang oil pan.

 

[Kenneth S]

Spun bearing(s) won't change the timing, also it's easier to unhook the transmission from the engine, and leave the transmission in the truck when pulling the engine.

 

[rdsrds123]

Removing the engine w/o the trans

Difficult to do, verses the engine and trans? Reconnecting the engine to that trans is not difficult? How do I tell I have spun bearings, then. It runs great, except for chattering and no pressure.

I'm wondering if this engine is toast. I was going to put in a new oil pump, timing belt, serpentine belt and pulleys, etc. , when removed. Waste of time?

 

[rdsrds123]

Your post is awesome!

I didn't see it at first. A '95 in a '92? that's beyond me. Do you know which engines might be an way swap? 89-92, or 89-94, maybe?

 

[Kenneth S]

Removing the just engine without the transmission is a lot easier, you won't know how bad it is until you get the oil pan off. Without being to hear it myself it's hard to say how much damage has been done, or where the chattering is coming from (top of the engine, bottom of the engine). Since it's using oil is it leaking oil, or burning oil (smoke out the exhaust).

 

[rdsrds123]

This engine is new to me (2000miles). In the time that I've had it, I have added only one quart of oil. It leaks almost none. Maybe the rear seal a tad. Not sure. WhenI changed the oil today, I noticed there was no gasket on the drain plug. The chattering comes from the lifters not having pressure. The pan has an access cover. Is this for cleaning the screen?