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T 350 Oil Pump

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 6:58 am
by grumpy56
Have gotten lots of good advice here and elsewhere to help get my 1970 T350 running, but still have some oil pump questions.

I have a "no bubble filled line" from the tank to the oil pump after loosening the 17mm plug on the front of the pump. However, no flow from the pump to the two lines feeding the 4 to the engine. I have the plugs out, and while holding the oil feed arm fully open and kick starting it, I get no flow. Even took off the banjo bolts and maybe got a "burp", but that's about it. Its been recommended to get it running with pre-mix, at low revs anyhow because of the crank bearing lube issue with pre-mix, and I should see oil start to flow. I guess I will try that, but would feel lots more comfortable if I knew I had a working oil pump before firing it up for the first time in lots of years.

Someone suggested that I heat the oil and this might make it "flow better". Since the tachometer cable is mounted on top of the pump, should I expect it to turn when using the kick starter in neutral?

Any and all help appreciated.

Re: T 350 Oil Pump

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:05 am
by ConnerVT
Even with the lever at full throttle, you aren't going to see much, if any, oil by just kicking it over.

What I have done in the past with my T500 is remove the oil lines from the engine/cylinders, removed the oil pump from the engine, and driven the oil pump with my electric drill. You'll need a very thick straight blade bit (or get creative), and hold the pump lever open full throttle. I never remember if it is clockwise/counter-clockwise to drive the pump. Kick it a few times, and you will see why you'll never get oil by kicking. Unless you have legs like The Flash.

Re: T 350 Oil Pump

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 11:16 am
by Coyote
If it makes you feel better, remove the banjo bolts from the lines feeding the crank. With an oil can, shoot 2 0r 3 squirts in the holes that feed the crank. Your pump is probably fine but as Conner said, kicking it is not a good test At best you will get a drop after 10 straight minutes of kicking

Re: T 350 Oil Pump

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 8:00 pm
by grumpy56
Appreciate the info. Will get it running on pre-mix and hopefully see the oil flow.