6 replies to this topic

[01smartc]

Hi all, getting a new camshaft, would like to know if it is crutial to change the oil pump? im planning to do it in situ and dont fancy having the flywheel housing off aswell as the stuff the timing gear end! My cars only done 38000 miles surly the oil pump is fine? thoughts?

Cheers Chris

[dklawson]

"In Situ", that's a phrase from the Haynes manuals of my youth. Once I used the phrase in a technical document at work and people thought I'd made it up.

I suggest that you re-think doing this work with the engine in place. You'll need some method to keep the cam followers out of the way (lift them) which almost certainly means pulling the head off and improvising some holding devices ( 8 of them). I expect that your desire is to NOT have to pull the engine, but I'm not even sure you can pull the cam straight out without cutting a clearance hole in the inner wing... if not the outer wing. It's going to be a lot more work and fuss doing this with the engine in the car.

Once you've got the engine out, it would be false economy to not change the oil pump. Remember that the gearbox shares its oil with the engine and very bit of debris that gets picked up goes through the pump before reaching the filter.

[Dan]

Depends on which type it is. Generally most performance cams are only available in slot drive format and if your existing pump is spider drive (it's very unlikely to be peg drive which is the oldest type) then yes you will need to change it. If you get a cam that is compatible with your pump then it will work fine. Having said that however it is always good to inspect and possibly replace an oil pump if you get the chance. The standard fit oil pump used in late cars was so poorly made that it was nearly out of tollerance when it was new so it could very well be worn out at 38,000 miles. How long is it taking to build pressure?

Oh and also, I agree with DK above.

Edited by Dan, 02 April 2007 - 04:14 PM.

[01smartc]

Ok so if i have to change it then how do i do that? with the engine in the car? .. its a 998 so its got tappet covers for the cam followers to come out of.

[Big_Adam]

You pretty much have to take the engine out the car to do a cam change, let alone an oil pump change unless you got a flip front.

both job's aren't too difficutl but it means you need full access to the engine.

Get a haynes book!

[fishy]

Ok so if i have to change it then how do i do that? with the engine in the car? .. its a 998 so its got tappet covers for the cam followers to come out of.

This is one of those jobs where it seems possible, and indeed is possible, but its just not worth doing it. Please listen to the people that know about this or you could have a car changing experience.

If you've already invested in a new cam, you will want to get the best out of it, all you're going to do is cover it in poo trying to get it in the block, and then have a serious sense of humour failure (if you had'nt already) when you try to time it in. I wouldn't even try to do a timing chain in situ because with practice you can get the engine out in 45minutes, and you can see what you're doing. It's just not worth the heartache, bruises and frustration, not to mention the possible mistakes.

If you're worried about not having an engine crane, don't because two people can lift the engine out (with head) easily even with the curs-ed foot on a remote box.

Join a mini club and find a willing volunteer to help

[01smartc]

OK so i think ive decided to take the engine out! can someone give me a quick guide to doing this. the best way to get it out plz. Cheers