Oil pump Install

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Feb 10, 2018 | 10:26 AM

Chevy Ghost

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Oil pump Install

I am getting ready to install a new camshaft in my 2004 GMC Sierra 5.3l and want to replace the oil pump at the same time. My question is can I replace the oil pump without dropping the oil pan? I will be replacing the timing chain at the same time time but would really like to replace the oil pump (172,000 miles) while I'm at it.

Feb 10, 2018 | 02:02 PM

FFDP

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It's a major pain in the *** to have the oil pan still there. The pick up tube bolt kinda sucks to removed and not drop into the pan.

Feb 10, 2018 | 05:34 PM

arthursc2

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I dropped mine. Fished it out with a magnet, magnet broke and is in there too! Bahaha.

Luckily I had a Saturn oil pan bolt, exactly the same. I ground off the tab to flip the pick up ear 180 degree and reassembly was pretty easy.

I use 3 .002” shims to set clearance. 12, 430ish and 730ish if using a clock to explain shim position

i use 2 o rings every time.

Feb 10, 2018 | 07:01 PM

Chevy Ghost

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Wow... I guess I was hoping for a more definitive reply. It would seem that it can be done but not without a great degree of difficulty. I had expected that the oil pump pickup bolt was going to be more than a notion but didn't expect it to be that difficult. Hmmmmm............

Feb 11, 2018 | 11:11 PM

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

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If you are 2wd then it is very easy to drop the oil pan. I've changed a cam and oil pump with o ring and not dropped the pan. it wasn't that bad.

Feb 12, 2018 | 11:03 PM

Chevy Ghost

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Thanks for that heads up. I am not a novice when it comes to engines and related mechanical functions. I am sure that I need to exercise caution if I don't drop the pan but as my truck is 2WD then it should make for an easier job. Thanks for your replies, it gives me a better understanding of what I am getting into.

Feb 13, 2018 | 09:49 PM

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

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you might want to drop the pan anyways and get a fresh gasket on there (plus oil cooler lines). just be careful to observe the two step torque sequence and pan alignment. the ls motors are fun and easy to work on and all of the data you need is one search away.