hello there...

first off i'm a newbie to this site, i just joined tonight! and i wanted to thank you in advance for your expertise and patience!

i tried doin a few searches but couldn't find the answer to my question..

recently acquired a 64 Dart GT with a blown engine(threw #4 rod through the block)2 door no post-

i sourced an engine.. from a 71 duster. it supposed to be a runner, but i didn't hear it run(uh-oh), the guy yanked it before i could hear it..
the engine is at my shop and all degreased.. it looks like the oil pump is leaking pretty bad (amongst some other things)... should i just replace the gasket or the whole pump?? the local autozone(hate this place)one has a Melling in stock.. my gut tells me to change the whole pump, but research seems to point in the direction that Melling pumps aren't the greatest- does anyone out there have any other pump suggestions??
i'm also changing the thermostat, water pump, motor mounts, and distributor gear.....and a re-cored radiator-


i guess that i'm a little jaded , i have blown up 2 slant sixes due to bad oil presure in my life(when i was a bit younger).. i figure the $60 is cheap insurance, and since the engine is out why not... the car is going to be a daily driver, so it needs to be as reliable as possible.....wait, did i just answer my own question??????

the pan gasket is leaking pretty bad, i plan on changing that i figured that i would pull #3 & 4 rod bearings to see what they look like..

i know that no-one can really answer this question for me.. ultimately it's up to me, but feedback is always helpful..

either way the pump has to come off.. so a gasket or a pump??
Is the Melling pump a piece of garbage, if so what's a better pump?
also if i do put a new pump on how should i prime it, vasaline??

how about a torque spec for a con-rod???????

thanks again-

rich

Your first stop is going to be getting some Factory Service Manuals for your car.

The crank register in the 71 engine is larger than the early crank, so you will need to get a bushing to use your orignal Torque converter.

The thing to do is check the pump out for clearances and install a new gasket, and O'ring in it if it passes muster.

2¢

CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

thanks for the reply.... i'll be picking up a manual for sure!
thanks for the tip on the crank.. where would one get a bushing for that, or does it need to be machined?
actually i have the trans that came with the engine, it was recently rebuilt but was not going to use it since my car is push button and the donner engine/trans isn't..
would it be unwise to swap converters?
is the ring gear the same count??

rich

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Rich Sandomeno
www.spragwerks.com

Welcome to the forum, mullskull!
Take a peek in the 'Frequently asked questions' in the 'engine' section, there you'll find a link to the 'article' section, where you'll find an article on: Oil pumps! You should, when time permits it, read through all the links in the FAQ, there is an awful lot of information there!

Take a look at 'Best of Doctor Dodge' in the FAQ, there you will find complete instructions on how to build a 'bulletproof' engine from the ground up.

Olaf.

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Aspenized

Thanks!
and really thanks for the bread crumb trail to the oil pump link..
i'm gunna go read that now-
i'm really excited to have access to the amazing wealth of knowledge that is available here...
i
learning about the different size crank index's has saved my ass!
i'll be machining a bushing tomorrow!

thanks-

r

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Rich Sandomeno
www.spragwerks.com

of i just did the research.. the trans is different.. i need that bushing!
sorry for being a lazy ass!


rich-

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Rich Sandomeno
www.spragwerks.com

I have adapter bushing for $20.00.

As for the oil pump, the pump itself is OK, it is the drive gear that you have to worry about, the aftermarket source those gears from who-knows-where (China) and the material quality is questionable.
At the least, swap a known "good" gear off a used oil pump that has been run & displays a nice wear pattern on the tooth surfaces.
Or, buy a special case harden gear.
Again... installing a new aftermarket oil pump carries the risk of early drive gear failure.
DD

well that's good news, except that i need it today... or would like to have it today, but i'm in L.A.... i'm hoping to get one made locally today.
2.157-OD 1.962-ID, How wide?
if that does not happen i'll be ordering it from you.. do you accept paypal?

i'm also going to see if i can get a gasket set for the oil pump, if so i'll just seal up the old one, or at the very least swap gears-

thanks for the reply, it's greatly appreciated, i'm very grateful to have found this forum!

r-

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Rich Sandomeno
www.spragwerks.com

5/8 wide w/ a large 45 degree chamfer on one ID edge, will do it.
DD