How Long Does It Take To Change Oil Pump? The Details Guide

An oil pump plays a crucial role in circulating engine oil. It ensures lubrication for various parts of the engine and keeps them cool. However, a damaged or bad oil pump won't function properly. It will cause reduced oil pressure. Hydraulic lifters of the engine won't get enough oil. Hence, changing the oil pump after a specific time is mandatory. Otherwise, the engine will be damaged.

How long does it take to change oil pump? It generally varies from vehicle to vehicle. After all, you need to remove several components for the oil pump replacement. It can take 4 to 8 hours to remove and change an oil pump.

How Long Does It Take To Change Oil Pump

Changing oil pumps is necessary when you see weary issues. You can either replace the internal combustion engine part on your own or let a professional handle it. A professional can replace it quickly. He has the professional experience, adequate skills, and all required tools.

But installing a new oil pump of your own will take more time. If you are doing it for the first time, it can take approximately 4 to 8 hours. The replacement session generally depends on the oil pump type, proper skills, and necessary equipment.

Items Needed To Replace an Oil Pump

Some necessary items are crucial for installing oil pump. Below are the essential materials you will need.

Steps To Replace an Oil Pump

So, you have collected all the significant materials to install the oil pump correctly. Wondering how to change oil pump? Here is the guideline to replace this internal combustion engine part step-by-step.

Step: 1 —Parking the Car and Lifting the Front Area

At first, remove the battery terminal from the opposing side. Then, use your car's parking brake to park the vehicle.

Now, grab the jack and jack stands. Use them to raise the car from the front side and support the vehicle's load.

Step: 2 — Removing Old Engine Oil

Get rid of all the old engine oil. Let it drain properly. Make sure to detach the serpentine belt while the oil is draining.

Step: 3 — Rotating the Engine

Rotate the engine continuously. You should only stop when the number 1 piston reaches the peak compression stroke or TDC.

Steps may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Hence, read your repair manual thoroughly. You will get a better and clear idea about all the necessary steps.

Check out the crank from the upper level. The bracket will have a rectangular window. Grab a 19mm socket.

Keep twisting the 19mm socket. And stop only when the base of the windows is parallel to the timing mark.

Step: 4 — Removing the Oil Pan

The next task is unscrewing oil pan bolts. Car engines have various pan bolts, such as 10mm, 16mm, etc. All of them are connected to the oil pan.

Remove all these screws sequentially. Now, grab a flat blade screwdriver or a paint scraper to take out the central oil pan. Make sure you don't damage the mating surfaces.

Step: 5 — Detaching the Oil Pump

Remove all the 10mm bolts that are connected to the oil pump to support the unit. These screws are mainly attached to the engine block or crankcase.

Locate your hands on the timing chain. It is the only support your oil pump has now. Loosen the timing chain by pressing pressure on the tensioner. This will free up the pump.

Or, you can use a T24 bit to detach the oil pump sprocket. It will make the timing chain hang-free without any support from other objects.

Step: 6 — Cleaning the Installation Area Thoroughly

So, you have removed the old oil pump successfully, right? Now, use a brake cleaner to clean up the installation surfaces carefully. Get rid of all the grease, oil, dirt, and other debris.

Additionally, you can use steel wool to polish metal objects precisely. This will give them a new-like appearance.

Step: 7 — Installing the New Oil Pump

Now, you can install the new oil pump. Place the entire unit precisely in the original position. The timing chain needs to be secure to stay on top of the gear teeth.

Make sure you know the ideal TDC alignment of your engine. Go through the repair manual to become 100% sure. Also, figure out the torque spec by glancing over the repair manual.

Initially, put on all the bolts using your hands. Then, apply a twisting force based on the particular torque spec.

Step: 8 — Applying the Sealant

The following job is applying sealant. It is necessary to stop the lubricating oil from leaking outside. But avoid using an excessive amount. Or it will ruin the oil system.

Keeping the bead only 2 to 3 mm thick is a good rule of thumb. Don't use the old gaskets. It may compromise the saturation and absorbency condition. Install a new one.

Step: 9 — Attaching the Oil Pan

Place the oil pan in its original place. Use your hands to tighten all the screws of the oil pan. Also, tighten other bolts and set up the correct torque specs by following the repair manual.

Step: 10 — Finishing Up the Job

Allow the sealant to dry properly for 1-2 hours. Then, add new engine oil. Verify the timing marks alignment by utilizing a ratchet to twist the crank several times. It should turn freely.

You can remove the jack and jack stands to lower the car. Test the engine for a few minutes. Inspect any leakage at the pan. Track the oil level before and after running the engine. Change the oil filter to get better performance during oil pump changing.

Symptoms of Bad Oil Pump

Oil pumps don't last a lifetime. Their lifespan is around 150,000 miles or the lifespan of the car. But if you have bought an old vehicle, the scenario can be worse.

After all, the previous owner may not have changed the oil pump or driven the vehicle for more than 150,000 miles. Here are the most common bad oil pump symptoms you will notice.

· Reduced Oil Pressure

An oil pump plays a primary role in providing and regulating oil pressure. Different parts of the engine get lubrication and run smoothly because of this oil.

However, lower oil pressure prevents supplying adequate oil to reach various engine components. This causes rough rubbing of engine parts. You also smell gas in oil.

The dashboard oil light is powered up when the oil pressure reduces. Low power can also cause this issue. All these generally happen due to a faulty oil pump.

· Higher Engine Temperature

Lubrication oil generally helps control engine temperature by absorbing excessive heat and reducing friction among several engine components.

But a bad oil pump can maintain a cool engine temperature. The dashboard check light will notify you if the temperature becomes too high.

· Unwanted Sounds From Valve-Train System

A Valve-Train System of the vehicle has several essential moving parts. They are likely to make exaggerated sounds due to friction and lack of lubrication.

· Excessive Sounds Of Hydraulic Lifter

Hydraulic lifters can't perform smoothly with a lower amount of oil supply. Due to excessive friction and lack of oil, the lifter will create excessive noise.

· Sounds From Oil Pump

One of the most common signs of a bad oil pump is wiring and whining from the oil pump. This generally occurs when you are idling the vehicle. The fuel pump gears became faulty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Oil Pump Easy to Replace?

Replacing an oil pump is moderately simple if you know the proper process, have some essential technical skills, and own the necessary tools.

2. How Much Does It Take to Replace An Oil Pump?

The average oil pump  cost can be anywhere from $300 to $600. But you also have to consider other replacement parts and labor cost which is around $200 to $300.

3. Can You Drive with A Bad Oil Pump?

Driving with a bad oil pump a few times won't be risky unless the problem is too intense. But quickly replacing the faulty oil pump is vital.

4. Can You Change an Oil Pump Yourself?

Yes, you can replace an oil pump of your own with adequate mechanical knowledge and essential repairing items.

5. Where Is the Oil Pump Located?

An oil pump is located inside the oil pan of your car. The oil pan is generally situated on the side of the vehicle.

6. How Do You Check An Oil Pump?

Checking a lousy oil pump requires you consider various weary signs of the oil pump, such as low oil pressure, increased engine operating temperature, excessive noise, etc.

Final Thought

Are you still wondering how long does it take to change oil pump? Installing a new oil pump doesn't take much time if you have the adequate technical skills and all the important materials.

Replacing and installing an intact new oil pump will ensure a smooth operation of your car engine. Don't delay the replacement. Otherwise, your car engine will suffer in the long run.

You may even replace the entire engine at worst. Also, some unwanted accidents may occur if the oil pump condition becomes too bad.