Oil Pump Rebuilding Options?

Posted by Joe On 2024/6/14 11:14:22

Hey all - so, as I work around my 2302's 327 to update parts, I've come to the oil pump, which I'm assuming has never been off the car. My oil pressure is right at 40 when cruising, and it goes right back when I start moving again. No fluctuation, engine is smooth and quiet. Had the pan down two weeks out, cleaned it and the pickup screen. My concern is that the pressure really drops when it's hot. I don't have an external gauge hooked up, so I can't say for certain, but it's got to be around 5 psi at hot idle, and it does tick somewhat at that point. I know the pressure dropping when it's hot is completely normal, but it does seem like there's probably some wear between the pump and increased "main and connecting rod bearing clearances." I can't do anything about the bearings at the moment, but I figured the pump would be fairly manageable maintenance item. I was hoping to acquire a rebuild kit, clean, update the internals and carry on. But I've definitely hit a snag.

I know folks will ask - I'm running 7 qts. of Lucas Oil 10w-40 Conventional Motor Oil. I've also had the head off, removed and cleaned all the hydraulic lifters (replaced a couple excessively noisy ones). I haven't removed the oil spring and regulator to inspect the piston and check for dirt per a suggestion in the manual - is this a rabbit hole worth going down (I assume the pump can stay on the car to do this)?

I first tried Kanter who has the rebuild kit listed as backordered with no indication as to if/when kits will be stocked again. Merritt says they don't carry the rebuild kits anymore. I tried Egge Machine, who mentions a rebuild kit and/or service on their website, but connecting with them, they said they just source the kit from Kanter and can't rebuild them without the kit. So I feel like I'm in a silly obsolescent loop. Are there any other sources for kits or rebuild services I'm missing? Or is a rebuild likely to make any appreciable difference? (I spoke Dwight Heinmuller briefly - he's been an amazing source of insights, and of course, parts help - he suggested the pumps are generally pretty bulletproof, so maybe it is just dirty?)

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this!