OK, I've been thinking a lot about the thread regarding FH oil pumps. I'm trying to decide which way to go with this. First: I recall 'Ol Ron and others commenting on problems/issues they were having with brand new Melling pumps. I found my two OEM pumps that came out of running motors. Both still seem tight and in great shape. I re-read Ron Bishop's book last night and it listed the tolerance specs. for the gears and bushings. I also noticed Early V-8 Sales sells a rebuild kit for pumps. Rather than buy new and have a problem, should I even venture to rebuild the OEM ones? If so, what should I look for or look out for? Also, I've read that you should always is replace the pick up and screen. There is no way to give these parts a very serious cleaning so they can be reused? Please tell me if I'm being ridiculous over this. Funny, I'll have around $3K in the build up of this motor and an under $100 part is causing me so much stress. Albeit the oil pump is the heart of the motor. I just want to do it right.
The pump body shouid experience no wear at all except minor end play thrust wear, easily sanded off bottom and shimmed with thrust washer at top if it exists. Bushings and gears take all the wear, and oft show very little of that since they are the best lubed bits in the engine. Study gear lash and wear in shaft at bushings first...I would reuse Ford gears unless there was actual wear. If you buy a Melling, as I said in the other post, there are obviously plenty of good ones; I would simply scrutinize it the same way I would with a used one. Inspect side clearance and gear lash, kill off the exceess endplay that most pumps come with, do a dye study of relief valve and blow throught it the way the owner of that one did. Most specs are in the various '49-53 Manuals, and I steal the missing end clearance number from a Vizard book on Chevys.
The Jalopy Journal
