Cal

iTrader: (1)

Three years ago when I did my first cam swap, I upgraded the oil pump as most people were doing then. I was quite proud of myself for getting the pickup tube back on without pinching the O-ring. I never had any oil presure issues afterwards, so I must have done a good job right? This Spring I had the oil pan off to upgrade the rod bolts, and I found this: (new O-ring on the left for comparison)

I must say it is much easier to not pinch the O-ring if you have the oil pan off.

Derek98z

iTrader: (55)

the new replacement oil tube o-ring are nice pieces. I just swapped one on a guys car Wednesday night. I was surprised how the o-ring off his 99 was puiny compared to the new one. ****, I am picking up a new one for my motor.

777

iTrader: (21)

I honestly don't see how you can pinch the o-ring. Doesn't it just slide right in. I put mine on the pick-up tube and then pushed it in. Then I tightened the bolt and it pulley the pick-up tube into the oil pump.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

With the oil pan in place, it can't go straight in, it has to go in on an angle part of the way. It helps if the O-ring is lubricated with motor oil or rtv, but it can still get pinched pretty damn easy. My experiance shows you may not even know it's pinched until the next time you take it back off.

Derek98z

iTrader: (55)

easiest way with pan on is to have oil pump off. Slide pump on at same time as putting tube in. Low oil pressure or loud valvetrain noise can idicate a pinched o-ring

777

iTrader: (21)

Well my valvetrain is fairly quite for a cammed ls1, and the oil pressure is always above 40psi, cold it is closer to 60-70.

Derek98z

iTrader: (55)

Sounds like you don't have any problems

Cal

iTrader: (1)

So was mine, but you can see what the O-ring looked like. It was sealing, but just barely.

PREDATOR-Z

I dropped the pan just enough to get me easier access. A good narrow light beam (maglite) and an all around inspection can verify if pinched. That is why I always have 2-3 of these suckers handy.

DWillTA

iTrader: (3)

I recently purchased some O-rings from the dealer for my upcoming cam install. They were in a pack of 5 for 2.68. I guess I got 5 shots at it, LOL.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Predator, there was no way you could see that this one was pinched without removing the oil pickup tube. And I had the engine upsided down on an engine stand, with the oil pan completly removed from the engine.

DWillTA, that's a lot better price than my dealer gave me! Seems like it was about $5 for just one of them.

PREDATOR-Z

I didn't sy it was failproof, but I've caught a few that way. Yours must have been borderline since it was still sealing.

DWillTA

iTrader: (3)

Here is the part number for the O-ring (12557752). They state in the description they come in a package of 5. Dealer maybe selling individually at the 5 pack price.
GM PART # 12557752
CATEGORY: Engine Oil Pump Cover Seal
PACK QTY: 5
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $3.83
OUR PRICE: $2.18
DESCRIPTION: SEAL

P Mack

iTrader: (6)

It's easier to pinch with a double roller timing chain cause the spacers make the oil pump not line up with the pickup tube. Ideally you'd want to pull the oil pan, elongate the pickup tube mounting hole and put the oring/pickup tube in with the oil pump already bolted down. But that's a pain in the ***.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Just curious, as I have yet to install a cam, but can you leave the bolts out of the oil pump and rotate it slightly as you install the tube. From the photo's it appears this might help, but curious from you guys who have already done this.

ashade98

iTrader: (16)

This may be a dumb question. I know the oil pan gasket is aluminum with silicone seals, so I guess it's reusable? If I drop my oil pan, am I gonna need a new gasket?

Thanks

Bill's 02 Z-28 SS

Hi Folks
If he has a double timing chain, the oil pump is not in the stock location - it moved out about .060+ and I could see that happening. That is my fear also even though my oil pressure is good.
Bill

Cal

iTrader: (1)

You can reuse the gasket, but I replaced mine because there was a slight amount of leakage. Plus I don't plan to have the engine out of the car again for a long time . . . I hope I'm right.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Not much really. You are pretty restricted on movement. You'll see what I mean when you get in there.