Oil pump driveshaft woodruff key

[SlvrCrb]

Just changed the oil pressure relief valve spring as I had lost 10 psi on the guage (see "10psi down" thread from last week) and hot idle was down to 12-15psi and the general consensus was that was the issue. Went to start afer the spring change and there's 0 psi oil pressure and the oil light is on. Switched off immediately.

Searching through I've found that it is probably the woodruff key on the oil pump driveshaft that has sheared as the power steering and water pump are still ok, so I don't think it's the actual shaft.

Question is, Can I do this myself or is it a garage job only? Also I really need to get it sorted by Thursday night as I'm supposed to be going to France on Friday :eek:

Any help or advice MUCH appreciated.

[simonsparrow]

I'm pretty sure from what I've read that the oil pump/water/pump/power steering pump is a sealed unit and can only be rebuilt by the factory.

However, thinking about it, it would be quite a coincidence that you've got this straight after changing the spring. It could be worth trying the 'old' spring again or at least double checking that the new one is fitted correctly. If the new spring wasn't working, then the oil could all flow via the bypass leading to low/no oil pressure.

But, if in doubt, get it carted off to a specialist first thing in the morning.

Hope its something simple.

[SlvrCrb]

simonsparrow said:

I'm pretty sure from what I've read that the oil pump/water/pump/power steering pump is a sealed unit and can only be rebuilt by the factory. However, thinking about it, it would be quite a coincidence that you've got this straight after changing the spring. It could be worth trying the 'old' spring again or at least double checking that the new one is fitted correctly. If the new spring wasn't working, then the oil could all flow via the bypass leading to low/no oil pressure. But, if in doubt, get it carted off to a specialist first thing in the morning. Hope its something simple.

Thanks for the quick reply Simon. We did try the 'old' spring again to check and there was still no pressure and oil light on, which is the worrying part. It's is really weird that it happened immediately after the spring change. Could it be as simple as a sensor that we knocked when changing? Any idea on how nice I should be to my bank manager if it does need to do back to blackpool?

[simonsparrow]

SlvrCrb said:

simonsparrow said: I'm pretty sure from what I've read that the oil pump/water/pump/power steering pump is a sealed unit and can only be rebuilt by the factory. However, thinking about it, it would be quite a coincidence that you've got this straight after changing the spring. It could be worth trying the 'old' spring again or at least double checking that the new one is fitted correctly. If the new spring wasn't working, then the oil could all flow via the bypass leading to low/no oil pressure. But, if in doubt, get it carted off to a specialist first thing in the morning. Hope its something simple. Thanks for the quick reply Simon. We did try the 'old' spring again to check and there was still no pressure and oil light on, which is the worrying part. It's is really weird that it happened immediately after the spring change. Could it be as simple as a sensor that we knocked when changing? Any idea on how nice I should be to my bank manager if it does need to do back to blackpool?

Sorry, no idea on cost. The gauge is mechanical and the sensor electric (I think) so if they're both showing 0 pressure, then thats not good.

Who is your local specialist? (APM look after mine, I can recommend them )

>> Edited by simonsparrow on Sunday 3rd July 13:51

[SlvrCrb]

simonsparrow said:

Sorry, no idea on cost. The gauge is mechanical and the sensor electric (I think) so if they're both showing 0 pressure, then thats not good. Who is your local specialist?

Austec up at Crawley. I have an Autoprotect warranty and the AA P & L, but think this will come under "fair wear & tear" as per usual.



edited to say, I'm now off for a few pints in the sun to try and forget about it for a few hours

>> Edited by SlvrCrb on Sunday 3rd July 14:03

[Julian64]

This seems like a bit of a coincidence. Are you sure that the oil pressure relief spring came out in one piece.

I assume if there was something holding the valve open like a bit of spring, then the oil pressure would be zero.

[SlvrCrb]

Julian64 said:

This seems like a bit of a coincidence. Are you sure that the oil pressure relief spring came out in one piece. I assume if there was something holding the valve open like a bit of spring, then the oil pressure would be zero.

Hi julian, seemed very coincidental to me too! The old spring wasn't actually broken, just quite compressed so it definately came out in one piece with nothing left behind.

After a few calls and emails yesterday though it looks like it may be as simple as an air lock in the oil filter or oil lines! Will bleed the system later and (hopefully) that will cure the problem. Fingers crossed.

[TooTall Paul]

Can you wind the engine over without the Coils connected to get the oil pressure up first before you start it ???

[SlvrCrb]

TooTall Paul said:

Can you wind the engine over without the Coils connected to get the oil pressure up first before you start it ???

Didn't think of that! But it's now on a low-loader