Oil Pump Change - Problems!!!

[matt bristol]

I need to ask for some advice after changing my oil pump

firstly the car 2002 Leon Cupra, AUQ engine, just coming up to 130k - mostly motorway miles if that makes a difference.

I recently experienced the oil light coming on at higher revs, so changed the oil and filter - fixed for a while, then happened again, changed sensor, still doing it.

Today I have changed the oil pump but couldn't get hold of the pick up pipe and strainer at short notice so gave it a damn good wash out with petrol and air line.

Fitted new oil filter (filled with oil) and new oil and fired up, the car was very noisy at the top end like there is no oil pressure despite the light going out (initially).

Turned off the engine and checked the oil level and filled to the top of the dip stick ie max. amount of oil it should have.

Fired up again and same, noisy top end, rattly like tappets not getting oil then after about 15 to 20 seconds the oil light came on again, so I turned it off and typed this.

Do I need to prime the new oil pump before fitting it or have I made some other even more schoolboy error?

[gillygilbert]

is the oil pick up pipe air tight from the stainer to the pump,i have never primed a pump before but leave it on tickover for a couple of minutes so that the engine isnt under stress while the new pump fills itself. you could prime it because that can only help.

[matt bristol]

just tried letting it tickover, and hte noise lessened slightly but was still there. I then got brave and revved it a little 1500 - 1800 rpm and it got louder in time with the engine revs.

Then the oil light came on.

I guess the next stop is new strainer/pick up pipe if I can find one, although by now I reckon it could be followed shortly after by new engine which won't be happening on my budget any time soon.

This car is starting to make my land rover look reliable and thats not something anyone ever wants to say

[grahams81]

If the strainer / pipe is clear then i wouldn't bother changing them. Did you fit a new o-ring for the connection between pick up pipe and pump ?

Sounds like your sensors working ok, i know there is an overpressure valve on the oil filter housing block. Think its just a ball & spring that opens in case of a problem, maybe its faulty.

If there is no / low oil pressure then its either worn big ends / main bearings or something thats relieving the pressure like the over pressure valve, or possibly a blockage.

Apparently these engines can suffer sludging in the oil, not sure if people use an engine flush to clean them, anyway good look.