I screwed up and forgot to check the pattern on the oil pump drive gear. I had the machine shop put the bottom of the motor together and cannot put anything bad in it now. Any ideas on what product I could use to mark the gear mesh and not contaminate the motor?

Thanks
Steve

White led, white grease or gear checking compound used for rear end ring & pinion set-up.
Once finished, use carb. cleaner to get excess cleaned-off. (have the engine right side up on an engine stand so the carb cleaner drips-out)
DD

I use (picture) painting oils. It comes in a tube. I choose chromium (bright) yellow, but you might choose white or any other color. I mix it with 50W engine oil or 90W gear lube to the right consistency. I don't see a huge need to clean it off, because it's just oil.

fglmopar@aol.com

Thanks for the help. It is really great to have all the experience and willingness to help out on this site(and .com)

Thanks again
Steve

I made many calls and several stops and the only product I could find was Permatex white lithium grease. I applied some to the pump gear and installed it with the gasket to check. I got a poor pattern transfer to the cam gear. Is there a tech article I missed or could you give me a quick how to(where to put the grease and on which gear etc.)? Also I was wondering what the pattern should look like or do I just move the gear and check for the best pattern I can get?

Thanks For any help
Steve

<A HREF="http://www.slantsix.org/articles/oil-pump-gear/failure-fix-report.htm">http://www.slantsix.org/articles/oil-pump-gear/failure-fix-report.htm</A>
:
: do I just move the gear and check
: for the best pattern I can get?
: Thanks For any help
: Steve

There are some photos showing the pattern in the Oil Pump article.
Seeing the engine is already together, it would be best to remove the timming chain and rocker arm shaft / push rods to do this check. It is hard to spin the entire engine and "load" the OP gear enough to pick-up a good impression.

I would also say to use some oil paint or even some red lipstick if you are having a hard time seeing a pattern. Just a little is needed to show where the gears make contact. (Lapping compound is still the best because it also smooths the gear surface as you do the check)
DD