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Triumph TR3 - Oil Pump Testing

Hi Guys,

I just installed my rebuilt engine into my TR3 and it started first crank. The problem was that my oil guage showed no oil pressure. The pump would move by hand, but I could see no oil by the valves or by the banjo fitting on the oil filter assy. I dropped the pan and installed another oil pump that I know was good. It was out of the engine that I replaced. Still no oil pressure. I then thought that maybe the slot to the banjo fitting may be blocked with gasket cement. Dis-assemble that and used air pressure to clear any blockage. I now can hear the air enter the oil pan and gurgle. Used air pressure to test the hardline anf flexline to the banjo fitting and tested the hardline to the guage. All was clear. Decided to use a drill to turn the oil pump. I used both a 325 RPM and a 1300 RPM drill, but still could not register any pressure. Is the RPM of the drill to low for the viscosity of the oil? Does anyone have another idea on how I can test the pump? With the valve cover removed I can see no major signs of oil being pumped up to the rockers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
John Triska

Did you install both the rotating parts for the oil pump ? Have you altered the pressure setting on the by-pass on the oil filter body ?
Don Elliott

Hi Don,

Both sumps were removed from the block intact (the three nuts holding it to the block). The only new part was the screen that I bolted to it. The oil filter assy was also used from my original engine and has not been changed in any way. I have the spin on adapter and the only difference between the old and new is that I went to a Wix filter instead of a Fram.

John T
John Triska

This may sound extreme, but just disconnect the gauge line from the block. Have someone start up and keep a close eye on the source. If your internals are working, you should see a good flow from the hole. Remember it will come out under pressure. There will be cleanup. This way you can start to narrow your search and eliminate either the gauge or engine.
Steve
Steve Crosby

Hey Guys,

I am very sorry, but I am fairly new at this British car thing. I did not realize the distributor went couterclockwise. All is pumping very well, thanks for the help.

Now lets try to get the distributor to align.
John Triska

This thread was discussed between 26/04/2006 and 27/04/2006

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