JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

I have my engine out and completely apart, I'm installing a cam and heads but there are a couple things I'm unsure of.

Should I use loctite or not? I'm thinking of using it on the cam retainer and cam gear but that's it. Should I use blue or red?

I bought saccitycorvette's alignment tool for the oil pump, but I want to pull the cover of the pump off and check it with shims, I've read .002" but I've also read .006" does anybody know which one it is?

Lastly, should I lube up the front seal? I've read some people say not to and others say I should. I had the output seal on my T56 in my old LT1 car burn up on me in twice the past by not lubing it.....finally worked the third time when I lubed it....

Oh and anybody using ALLDATA, becareful it says to torque the oil pump to block to 30 ft lbs instead of 18 ft lbs.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

I use Loctite, either will work fine, but red is probably better on the really critical parts like the cam gear. Blue works great too and would be better on smaller bolts like the lifter tray bolts.

I also use .002" shims, three of them, when installing the oil pump. I align the housing with the gears out, torque the bolts, and remove the shims. They shouldn't be too tight when you take them out either.

I don't lube the front or rear seals either. I'm pretty sure they're designed to be installed dry, but I do use a light coat of RTV on the outside when I put them into the cover.

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the response, how many engines have you built? Where can I find more information on the seal, this had to originate somewhere.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

If I had to guess, I'd say over 100 engines. I built the engine in my car, installed the seals dry, and when I pulled the clutch and flywheel a couple weeks ago, everything is bone dry. I think I have about 10-15k miles since I installed the engine.

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

I mean how many LS engines. But WOW that's quite a few.

I'm pretty sure I'm just going to use a little blue on the cam gear.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

Yes, LS engines. I used to be a machinist.

Blue should be fine. Torque to spec and you should have any issues.

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

awesome, I appreciate the input.

So to recap: .002" shim between the pump housing and rotors, blue loctite on the cam bolts and no oil on the seal, front and rear.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

You got it. I use three of the .002" shims to center the housing. Pieces of paper will also work in a pinch since they're typically about .002-.003" thick. Just make sure they come out and not tear off.

chevybayboy

iTrader: (6)

I was trying to have Kc's rebuild mine lol

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

I appreciate your time, thank you very much. Not sure how strong your tuning skills are but if you have any questions let me know.

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

Ok I put .002" shims between the housing and the outer pump gear as well as between the lower timing gear and inner pump gear, fit just fine, I guess the alignment tool works.

saccitycorvette

iTrader: (3)

Hi JDMC5,
First off, thank you for your business!
I'm glad the AlignIt oil pump tool worked for you. I know its simple design
is unimpressive. I hope your impressed now?

Christian

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

yes, I am it just wasn't what I was expecting. I made an adjustment above. BTW, do you guys install your front and rear seals dry?

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

hey do you guys use a paste pipe thread sealer on the OPSU?

saccitycorvette

iTrader: (3)

Hi JDMC5,
We put white lithium on the seal lips and a thin layer of permatex aviation sealer on the cover where the seal slides in. Not on the seal.
Not sure what OPSU means?

Thanks
Christian

KCS

iTrader: (20)

I'm guessing OPSU = Oil Pressure Sending Unit?

In that case, I do use a little Teflon thread sealer, but just enough to coat the threads.

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

yessir, thanks again

ez2cdave

RED Loctite is considered to be "permanent", while the BLUE is "removable" . . . Just a "Heads-Up" .

JDMC5

iTrader: (3)

Thanks, I ended up using blue only on the cam gear and retainer.