oil pump removal

[jpspeedy]

for several weeks now when I start the car it takes and seem to becoming a longer time for the oil pressure gauge to show a read above 0. I use to start it and the pressure would come right up. So I changed the oil hoping that maybe the filter was clogged, well that didn't help. So I am thinking that the oil pump is going out car has 54xxx miles. Does this sound correct? thanks jim

[Mds666]

you will have to remove the oil pump, but your problem is almost certanly the oilve that seals the oil pickup pipe... cheap and easy fix...

[jpspeedy]

you say the oilve (almost certanly the oilve ) what is oilve is this a type o? jp and thanks for the information. The oil pump look like its hard to get too, it looks tight. I am good around the car, as I changed out clutch last year. But then it was easy to get to once you took out boot floor. jim

[lotus4s]

How long does it take for the pressure to come up after starting when cold?

What oil/weight are you using?

[Mds666]

the oilve is a plastic (hard not rubber) seal that goes over the end of the steel pickup pipe and forms an air tight seal between the picup pipe and the block it is shown on 40.01A of the parts manuals. if this has failed your oil pressure will take an age to come up as the pump is sucking oil and air... do not revv your engine to get the pressure to build quicker as little or no pressure at the bearings will cause instant damage anything above idle

you ought to be able to change this in situe but as with most things it woud be easier with the engine out...

[jpspeedy]

thanks for information that sounds like the problem, by the way using Castro Syntec 5/50

[Mds666]

let us know how it goes...

[Artie]

I think Mark is talking about the OLIVE, which is a plastic fitting that seals the pickup tube to the receiver inside the block as it goes up to the oiling system. Oil pressure can also be low due to worn big end bearings as was my problem. Not sure if 54XXX miles is normal for an oil pump rotor and gerator to get out of spec but possible. Mine had 89XXX miles on it when I pulled the engine out and the pump internals looked perfect damn near. You may consider a big end bearing refresh to save yourself from what I just got done with!

[Mds666]

sorry my dodgy spelling... i doubt shells will be the issue as the oil pressure is taking a long time to come up, where as with worn shells you will just have low pressure...

finnished running your old girl in yet artie?

[Artie]

No Mate, I only managed about 80 miles on her yesterday and it snowed today! Hoping to drive some this weekend! She's dreamy! Good luck with your issue, hope it's a simple fix.

Artie