Oil pump

[Dtolson9]

Can you turn the oil pump by a flat head screw driver? Or does the oil pump only turn as the complete motor is rotating?

 

[Kurt in NJ]

With the drive gear installed it only turns with the engine, with the drive gear removed it only turns with a screwdriver

 

[Dtolson9]

Thanks. The car is completely assembled right now.

 

[Marshall V. Daut]

I assume you are asking this question about how to check whether your oil pump is working?
Remove the slot-head plug at the bottom of the passenger's side engine block and hold down the starter rod for a second or two. If the pump is working, oil will shoot out of that hole. Be prepared for an oily mess from a strong stream of oil if the pump is working properly! If no oil comes out after a few engine revolutions or it only dribbles out, you have pump problems. Perhaps the pump's screen is clogged or the gears are stripped (rare).
Marshall

 

[jw hash]

before you start turning the motor over put 2 qt, or more of oil down the distributor hole. that will oil the mains and get a little oil on the rods.

 

[hardtimes]

Can you turn the oil pump by a flat head screw driver? Or does the oil pump only turn as the complete motor is rotating?

Hey David,
I may be wrong, but it sounds like you want to match up the distributor (tang) with oil pump....without changing #1 plug location..no

 

[Ed H.]

Put a cheap oil pressure gauge on the pump outlet screw. Should answer any questions.