82 3.8 regal oil pump rebuild

[huhsnare]

Hey guys I have an 82 Buick regal with the 3.8 under the hood. I recently had my oil filter housing to start leaking oil really really bad. And after searching and searching I was told by GM the the only way to get the gasket I need was to buy a complete oil pump rebuild kit. Luckily it was only $20. But I have the housing off to find that there wasn't even a gasket on there to begin with. They told me that since I will have it off I should go ahead and change the gear and springs but I have no clue what and how to go about it andi just don't want to go in there and mess it up. My oil pressure is fine when I'm driving between 30 and 40 psi hot so I'm thinking about just putting the new gasket in and calling it a day. What do you guys think?

 

[prico1976]

i will just replaced the gasket if you have no problems with oil pressure. i had the same problem an i just replaced the gasket. do forget to fill up with vaseline where the gears go to create oil pressure one again when starting the engine. the problem is that when you pulled the oil pump out it drains out completely and you loose the pressure.

 

[huhsnare]

i will just replaced the gasket if you have no problems with oil pressure. i had the same problem an i just replaced the gasket. do forget to fill up with vaseline where the gears go to create oil pressure one again when starting the engine. the problem is that when you pulled the oil pump out it drains out completely and you loose the pressure.

So I still have to pack the gears with Vaseline even if I only took the the housing off and nothing else

 

[my86442]

i will just replaced the gasket if you have no problems with oil pressure. i had the same problem an i just replaced the gasket. do forget to fill up with vaseline where the gears go to create oil pressure one again when starting the engine. the problem is that when you pulled the oil pump out it drains out completely and you loose the pressure.

So I still have to pack the gears with Vaseline even if I only took the the housing off and nothing else

That would be the wisest decision to do for just incase reasons. The vaseline will act as a natural suction when the engine starts and is cranking. When ever i build a motor, the vaseline is the first thing i go for when i put a new oil pump on. If you dont pack it all youll do is burn out your bearings and the oil pump it self which in turn will send your motor to a early retirement. My 3.8 was like this too, not having a gasket but i noticed too a really thin layer of clear rtv. I was told that was a factory thing but i didnt stick to it. I bout a new kit and just put the gears with the vaseline and the gasket in. Cranked till i had oil pressure again and than fired it up. No problems even after 3 years.

 

[81Regal]

i will just replaced the gasket if you have no problems with oil pressure. i had the same problem an i just replaced the gasket. do forget to fill up with vaseline where the gears go to create oil pressure one again when starting the engine. the problem is that when you pulled the oil pump out it drains out completely and you loose the pressure.

So I still have to pack the gears with Vaseline even if I only took the the housing off and nothing else

YES that is the only way you will get the pump reprimed. Also when you have the pump apart check for wear and grooves from the steel gears, steel and aluminum just doesnt live together well.

 

[Bar50]

Thre is a 'booster' plate, or wear plate for the oil pump if the gears are worn. Don't get carried away tightening them bolts as they are little/lightweight and go into aluminum.