I just finished getting the front cover off and the oil pump opened up, and this past year of wondering and worrying about the condition of my oil pump is over. Since I have a 2003 that is right smack in the middle of the "bad" vin range I figured it would be prudent to preemptively replace the gears as a matter of maintenance and a few other parts while I was into it. The gears look perfect, not a crack or defect to be seen,hardly look like they have 110k miles on them. So, I guess the old boy on the assembly line got the dowels drilled straight on mine. I think it was really worth a couple days of work for piece of mind.

 

Yeah just because it's in the vin range doesn't mean it will blow. I am considering replacing the gears in mine when do the next HG job. Figured i could go ahead and take care of the water pump too.

Anyone know when the timing chain should be replaced?

 

It should probably be replaced every 200k unless your already in to it. Mine doesnt look too bad, so I will replace it at 200k

 

If it ain't broke...mine is original, I now have 210k and she still runs and idles fine.
If you already have the front cover off it would not be a bad idea but otherwise I would not worry about it.

 

Many recommend doing it at the time of oil pump replacement. Might as well, the kit is only $100 from AB and you're getting up there in mileage.

 

Check the axial clearances, and the clearance beteen the annulus and rotor - this is what will affect pressure.
If it is ok, I would put it back together, perhaps running some very fine emery (or wet&dry at a pinch) over the high/rough spots on the cover plate and pump body. If there are any gouges in the annulus or rotor, smooth those over as well.
I wouldn't bother replacing 'just for the sake of it'. Gerotors aren't going to 'break' because they get old, they break because something else is wrong!

Have a look at the pump dowels carefully, and see if the countersink in the block at the pin hole looks to be 'offset' from the pin body. Another test, is to see if (after temporarilly re-installing the cover on the dowels) the bolts are all tight on one side of the bolt holes in the cover. It might be that your engine has already been replaced?

 

hey 94svt50 did you have to remove the oil pan to get the timing cover off

 

You have to remove the pan so you can unbolt the oil pump pickup from the front cover.