Replace oil pump?

[Ranger Mark]

99 3.0 4x2 115,000 miles.

Just wondering since I have the engine out. How vital is it to change the oil pump? I have a leak on the pan gasket which I'll change. I really need the $100 for other parts but could scrape something together if really needed.

 

[Dirtman]

Oil pumps are highly over rated.

 

[Ranger Mark]

Oil pumps are highly over rated.

Thank you sir. Do you know of a way to 'wash' the engine internals? I want to flush any junk that may have gotten into the crank before I button it back up. I have the intake and heads off so I was thinking of using cheap oil to pour over the lifters and let it drain through.

 

[Dirtman]

Kerosene works good as a cheap engine flush.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Dirtman… is a funny guy. I believe his comment was an attempt to be funny. When the oil pan comes off... inspect the oil pump. You should find specs in the service manual. If it looks questionable at all... replace it. Now is the time not after it is put together and running. I would also take into consideration what the oil pressure was before removal.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Most oil pumps, my experience, are good for far more than 115,000 miles. Just be sure it is clean with no varnish build up.

 

[Ranger Mark]

After I use the kerosene do I light it to burn off the gunk? Extra heat treatment for the crank and cam.

 

[Dirtman]

I did joke about the oil pump... I apologize, my humor is well... stick around and you will get it.

I was not joking about using kerosene. "Gunk" engine flush is literally just a can of kerosene. It wont hurt your engine and is a strong solvent.

 

[Rearanger]

I was not joking about using kerosene. "Gunk" engine flush is literally just a can of kerosene. It wont hurt your engine and is a strong solvent.

How much kerosene and how do you dispose of it?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I have a pneumatic spray gun that works with compressed air and siphons whatever liquid you put the pick up tube in. I always used mineral spirits... and then would run the drippings through a paint filter back into my parts washer.

 

[Ranger Mark]

Just for my education, who would replace this oil pump? I've had no oil issues and the screen is clean. But it does appear someone burnt the oil at one time maybe.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Take it apart and measure the clearances. Look for scoring on the flat surfaces. Don't stretch the spring.

 

[Ranger Mark]

Take it apart and measure the clearances. Look for scoring on the flat surfaces. Don't stretch the spring.

Took your advice and the gears measure and look good. Very solid unit. It's a keeper.
Thanks all for the help. This weekend I'm hoping to do the helicoil and start putting it back together.
BTW FYI
I found a helicoil distributor about 2 miles from my work. They got me a 10 pack of the M10 1.5 x 25mm. The other places I tried only had packs of 1000.