How to properly inspect a DE oil pump

[Jonnybonds]

So, I was reading the FSM and it tells you to check the clearance between the inside gear to the outside gear but it doesnt really tell you where. The problem Im having is that the clearance seem to be right in one spot but not the other one. I have a rebuild kit on the way but I have been told and I have read that it's a bad idea because the cover would wear out faster than the gears. I was hoping to use everything in the rebuild kit but the gears but I'm kinda stump with the clearances on the original gears. I would like to know if there is anyone that actually has had any kind of experience with changing only the internal (good or bad).......................and what is the rule of thumb with using the feeler gauge?????? Whats the proper way to use it, just want to make sure Im doing it right, any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc268/jonnybonds84/IMAGEunos/gears.jpg

[Jonnybonds]

Well I re-read the FSM for the 20th time and it does says "inner gear to outer gear tip clearance" so Im assuming that those spots where I check it good would be the ideal tip to tip spot to measure.

[Ceepo]

or just buy a new oilpump/timing chain cover and be done with it...

[projectRDM]

or just buy a new oilpump/timing chain cover and be done with it...

Why spend $230 for a complete cover when you can buy the gears, relief valve, and spring for about $30?

OP- I haven't spec'd out an oil pump in a LONG time, I usually just rebuild it if the cover is off. For what you're paying it's cheap peace of mind.

[Jonnybonds]

So you have just replaced the gears and covers????? I read in KA-T.org that since the gears are steel and the cover is aluminum the gears will eat out the cover much faster. I bought a rebuild kit for it but now that I read this, I'm iffy about using the gears of the kit. So you haven't had any problems with the oil pump after rebuilding it??????

[projectRDM]

So you have just replaced the gears and covers????? I read in KA-T.org that since the gears are steel and the cover is aluminum the gears will eat out the cover much faster. I bought a rebuild kit for it but now that I read this, I'm iffy about using the gears of the kit. So you haven't had any problems with the oil pump after rebuilding it??????

You can look at the cover to see if there's any wear, it's not like aluminum won't show damage. If the cover is fine, which 99% of the time it is, just replace the pump parts. I've never replaced a cover unless it was bad, which was once. The gears won't damage anything if they're not damaged themselves. Most of the time the gear set looks good too, I just replace it all while it's apart because it's one easy, cheap step to guarantee the life of the engine and it's a bitch to have to go back into it.

So, if the cover looks good and shows no abnormal wear, rebuild the pump and drive it. If the cover is worn or marred, buy a complete cover with the pump already in it.

[Jonnybonds]

Well, thanks for the reply, not many people have put in their two cent. The cover does have some wear on it but it doesn't look bad I guess. I'll post up some pics to see what you think if you don't mind. Just got to get off work first, lol.