SO I have an 03 in the VIN range for oil pump failure. I have the engine down to the block right now a decided to replace the oil pump as well. At 83k miles, I have a complete crack through my outermost gear on my oil pump.

SO my question is, Can I buy a new front cover to fix the alignment issue? Or is the alignment with the actual block?

Thanks!
Eric

 

We should have a sticky about this by now. We're about a decade past worrying about being "in the range".

 

Agree. I used the "Search", no solid post showed up. So here I am....posting lol

 

If you have a crack, as long has there is not deep grove worn in the timing cover, all you need to do is buy a oil pump over hauls kit and make sure you replace your timing chain at the same time.

 

I agree with Mike on the groove deal. Theres no aftermarket cover made (that I'm aware of) that fixes the alignment issue, but I've heard something about guys using wood instead of metal alignment pins, but it never seen it done or talked to anyone about it. Just throwing it out there, research and test at your own risk.

If your cover does have a groove then shoot me a PM and I'll sell you a front cover cheap.

 

Thanks Mike! The gears looked good (besides the crack) and the timing cover is fine. So even at 83k, you think I should do the chain as well?

 

you are right in there, it will save you from having to open it all back up in the future to replace the timing chain set.
Hopefully you will see another 100k on this oil pump, so why pull it apart to change the chain down the road.
a timing chain set will only set you back another $70.00 or so, you have all the gaskets needed with the oil pump kit.

 

I agree with the timing chain. But I'm using a friends garage that's 35 minutes from my place to do my head gaskets. So I'm on a short time frame. Planing on pulling the front cover off again at around 100k and just do the chain outside at my house lol

 

only takes 15 minute to swap the chain and gears out

 

Just ordered the chain, didn't worry about getting new gears