Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Savana and 2002 Chevrolet Chevy Express. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION .

Clean the oil pump components in cleaning solvent.
Dry the components with compressed air.
Inspect the oil pump for the following conditions:
- Scoring on the top of the gears (1)
- Damaged gears (2) for the following:
  - Chipping
  - Galling
  - Wear
- Scoring, damage or casting imperfections to the body (3)
- Damaged or scored gear shaft (4)
- Damaged or scored gear shaft (5)
- Damaged bolt hole threads
- Worn oil pump driveshaft bore
- Damaged or sticking oil pump pressure relief valve
  Minor imperfections may be removed with a fine oil stone.
- Collapsed or broken oil pump pressure relief valve spring
Fig 1: Oil Pump Inspection Areas
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
If the oil pump is to be reused, install a NEW oil pump pressure relief valve spring.
During oil pump installation, install a NEW oil pump driveshaft retainer.