Oil pump?

Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 BUICK RIVIERA
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 196,000 MILES
I'm curious about the oil pump on these motors. I've had an issue where once the car gets warm it loses oil pressure, and the oil pressure light comes on. It also started leaking and I repaired the oil pressure switch and replaced the crankshaft seal. I kind of feel like now because it ran low on oil when it was leaking and there is some internal damage to the motor. It's tapping and sounds like crap compared to before so I realize it's probably on its last leg.

But I'm just wondering, could the oil pump have torn itself apart or failed and this cause the oil pressure problems?

And also, how difficult is it to get to the oil pump on this car? I can't find any info on this specific topic.

I just feel like it may not be pumping oil up where it needs to go.

Maybe that's why it kept losing oil pressure when it got warm, and I noticed it sounded a little rougher once it was warm also. Might just be that the engine is on its last leg, and I've pretty much surrendered to that, and plan to just use it to the grocery store and back and hope it lasts a little while for short trips.

Do you have any literature or blueprints on this car and how to get to the oil pump?

And any feedback?

Thank you 2carpros!
Monday, November 4th, 2024 AT 6:21 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
If the oil pump pickup is clogged due to sludge so I would remove the oil pan and clean it out if the engine has sludge. Here is how to replace the oil pump and remove the oil pan to help fix the problem. The oil pump is part of the timing chain cover and yes it can get torn up without oil. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, November 4th, 2024 AT 12:53 PM

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