How reliable are the stock oil pumps on these motors? Ive got the engine pulled out, waiting for my h/c and was wondering if I should go ahead and replace my 128k mile oil pump. I'm thinking I probably should for good measure. If so, any recommendations on where I can pick one up at for a good price? thanks.
dave

 

Being a mechanical part there isn't much that can go wrong. Unless you run the pan dry it will always be properly lubricated - but if you runt he pan dry you have other problems than a screwed up oil pump. About the only thing that can realistically go wrong is the pickup falling off the oil pump and that is very rare. I personally wouldn't bother with it, but if you have the engine allt he way out allready there wouldn't really be any harm in swapping it out.

 

I would ALWAYS replace the oil pump if the engine was torn down. They wear just like anything else in the engine. It just does not make sense not to replace a 128k miles pump.

Part numbers for stock 3/4" pump, pickup and higher pressure spring listed below.

oil pump 3/4" inlet 12555283

oil pump screen 3/4" tube 12550042

white oil pump spring 3848911

These are from my part numbers page. Where to buy your GM parts is listed on my Tech Page.

 

Yep, NEVER rebuild or even tear down to inspect and engine without replacing the pump.

-Shannon