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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: rob_e30 on December 17, 2006, 12:16:59 AM

Title: Oil pump replacement
Post by: rob_e30 on December 17, 2006, 12:16:59 AM

I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild and was wondering if the oil pumps ever fail in these cars?  On the one hand, I'm already there but on the other it looks like a fool proof design that would never fail.

Any input?

Title: Oil pump replacement
Post by: Jbrough on December 17, 2006, 09:51:29 AM

They do fail to answer your question quickly but the only examples I've seen have been very unique situations.  I believe one member on this board had his fail when it sucked a bolt up.

The one in my car failed after almost 170,000 miles and after the po drove the car with alot of coolant in the oil.  You can always have someone check to see what oil pressure is being produced.  But you are correct that the design should not fail under normal conditions.  

If your doing a rebuild you'd be better off taking a look at the timing components.

Title: Oil pump replacement
Post by: nickmpower on December 18, 2006, 03:31:07 AM

they only cost like $50. a small price to pay for what it does

Title: Oil pump replacement
Post by: sheepdog on December 18, 2006, 01:19:23 PM

Quote from: nickmpower;15775

they only cost like $50. a small price to pay for what it does

Small price, but a lot of work.
That type of pump rarely fails unless something gets in it. They are very reliable otherwise.

Title: Oil pump replacement
Post by: nickmpower on December 18, 2006, 01:36:07 PM

Quote from: rob_e30;15725

I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild

...

Title: Oil pump replacement
Post by: rob_e30 on December 18, 2006, 01:41:05 PM

Thanks, that's what I thought.  Given I have the thing all apart, I might as well replace it while I'm there.

Title: Oil pump replacement
Post by: bmwman91 on December 18, 2006, 01:56:38 PM

I have a barely used one for sale.  It is in superb condition, see the below pic!

(http://bmw.e30tuner.com/images/my318is/pic/oilfailure/bmw011.jpg)

Yes, they do fail, but only when junk gets in there.  Check the lower oil pan and surrounding areas for metal chunks of any appreciable size...specifically pieces of timing chain rollers if the old assembly was work badly.  Replacing every part in the timing case is a good idea after 130k+ miles, regardless of what things look like in there.  Good luck!  The only fun rebuilds are the planned ones!