Sump off - oil pump checks

[paul_GB]

I currently have a 230SL engine on my bench and have the ali the sump removed to change front/rear oil seals. Are there any relatively simple checks I can do on the oil pump whilst I have access before I close the engine up to instal in my car? I'd hate to miss a trick at this stage! Note, the engine has good compression (approx 160 psi) but I have no info or history re its oil pressure. Any pointers gratefully received. Thanks.

Paul

[stickandrudderman]

Take it apart and examine the impellors and the housing. If there's any sign of damage bin it and get a new one. Think of it as an extra £500 on your insurance premium.

[Benz Dr.]

I currently have a 230SL engine on my bench and have the ali the sump removed to change front/rear oil seals. Are there any relatively simple checks I can do on the oil pump whilst I have access before I close the engine up to instal in my car? I'd hate to miss a trick at this stage! Note, the engine has good compression (approx 160 psi) but I have no info or history re its oil pressure. Any pointers gratefully received. Thanks.

Paul

160 PSI ??  That seems a bit high to me. Your oil pressure relief valve should open well before that.

[stickandrudderman]

Have you been at the hard stuff Dan? He's referring to his cylinder compression!

[paul_GB]

Yes the piston Compression readings are averaging about 160psi :-). I have no clue what the oil pressure was before striping the engine down. Fortunately the oil pump housing and impeller blades all look in good shape.. I can't see any signs of wear. I'll instal the sump and start the reassembly over the next few days. Thanks for the advice!

Note, removing the crankshaft front seal steel collar/spacer was a nightmare. I tried the sl113 clubs recommended 'slotted drain pipe/clamp' extractor tool first.. and then a slotted steel version made from exhaust pipe! BUT the collar was so well 'glued' onto the crank that I had to remove the sump (for access) and then cut slots in the collar (avoiding cutting the crankshaft!) and then used a thin 2 jaw bearing puller (with the jaws located in the slots) to pull it off the end of the crank!! A couple of beers were needed after to calm the nerves!.

Paul

[mbzse]

.../...removing the crankshaft front seal steel collar/spacer was a nightmare.../... the collar was so well 'glued' onto the crank that I had to remove the sump (for access) and then cut slots in the collar

Paul, you certainly deserved that beer! What a task it turned into for you, wow... one thought, did some PO/mechanic use thread locking fluid, Loctite or the like, as the collar was stuck like that..(?)
/Hans in Sweden
.

[paul_GB]

Yes.. I think it may have been Loctite or similar that was effectively bonding the collar onto the crank. There was a hardened red residue under the collar and between it and the sprocket. I did take a photo of the 'extraction method' I resorted to so I will find the pic and upload it for anyone else who might encounter the same.

[Shvegel]

There is a puller for that ring but it sounds like it would not have helped in your case. 

[mbzse]

.../...Loctite or similar that was effectively bonding the collar onto the crank.../...

So, consensus is - Loctite may well be useful, but absolutely do not use it there!
/Hans in Sweden

[paul_GB]

Just in case you get into this situation.. the combo of tools I used are in the attached photo (note, engine is upside down).. a two jaw puller, with a G clamp holding the puller's jaws in the slots I'd cut in the collar. Not very eliquent but effective when up against it. I suspect there are better methods that are well known to the experts on this site

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Have you been at the hard stuff Dan? He's referring to his cylinder compression!

Love that reply Stck I think Dan is been working to hard in the field, he has a farm to run too and it is harvest time for some of his fine corn bdw Dan does not drink ... I don't think.

[Benz Dr.]

Have you been at the hard stuff Dan? He's referring to his cylinder compression!

Maybe I should start drinking. Any advice?

[stickandrudderman]

Don't, you'll have way too much fun!