1954 oil pump issue
 

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Getting all the vettes out of storage, bumper to bumpers, and LOF.

While going through 54, it starts up great. (Just rebuilt and body off last year)

Oil pressure gauge shows 0 Oil pressure, so we cut it immediately. Hooked up independent oil pressure tester and no pressure.

Pulled pan and pulled apart pump. “Impellers had some small gouging on fins and some clear scoring on pump wall.

Ran air through and no blockages otherwise.

So..... thankfully having a son who is licensed mechanic, knew to cut her off quick and no damage.

Need to source a new oil pump, (doesn’t have to be NCRS as this isn’t a judged car) just need something that will work properly.

But. The one part of pump seems attached with round fasteners to block that I have no idea how to remove...

any help or advice?

The bottom of the distributor has a straight edge, like the end of a flat bladed screwdriver. That "tang" has to engage the slot in the oil pump rod.

The distributor drives the oil pump. If the distributor has walked up and out of it's clamp somewhat, the oil pump will not be driven.

Don't ask me how I know this. :D

Both Melling and Sealed Power still sell replacement pumps - at your local parts stores or even Rock Auto has them on-line. But the "pressurized oil system" of the "stove bolt sixes" where frequently upgraded from a "bypass oil system" to a "full flow system" and even a spin on oil filter. Take a look: http://devestechnet.com/home/thevenerable261

and: http://devestechnet.com/Home/FullFlowOil


Hope this helps.

Thanks....added some photos... will check distributor

Chuck..... I cant thank you enough.......we raced over to shop and sure as shi% the distributor did walk up.... you can see on the pump shaft scoring on the top edge of the slot. So we will make sure the distributor is full seated and locked down better. Owe you a big dinner Chuck!

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Did you check the rod and main bearings for scoring from the metal you found in the pump?

Glad I could help you out. :D

a big cause of oil pump damage is the mis alignment of the dist and the oil pump
alot of people install the pump then install the dist later
it puts a ton of side load on the pump
keep the dist loose and pump loose - after both are installed - THEN tighten them up
like chuck - dont ask how I know.....
and yes - these are known to walk up....keep the advance tight

Filtered oil and found zero particles or significant residue. But will inspect the bearings for scoring as well. Thanks

Thanks chris..

Read chris’s Post carefully. My engine builder on my 54 installed the oil pump without the distributor in it as it was out for rebuild. When I installed the distributor in the freshly rebuilt engine it ran for about 10 seconds and ate the distributor gear and cam gear up. Had to pull the engine and rebuild it along with the distributor. Very costly mistake!!!!

Yep
it will eat them up in a heartbeat !!!
You have to align them