New high volume Melling oil pump with a new pump shaft (metal collar) in place.
Problems in La-la land. The FelPro pan gasket kit isn’t fitting properly. The other gaskets in the kit fit OK, but these don’t. They’re not Chinese, they were made in Portugal. Both gaskets have the same problem at the rear of the block.
According to the label this is the correct set for a GM 305 (5.0L)
I’ve sent a ‘problem form’ to FelPro. I don’t want to take a chance ordering another kit and I don’t want to wait around for it to arrive. So I’ve cut away as needed and I’ll add a bead of red gasket maker to make up for the lost gasket. Shouldn’t be a problem as some folks just use red sealant alone and don’t bother with gaskets.
Sealant on both sides of the gasket and extra at the back to make up for the missing gasket coverage.
Pan in place. I have snugged down the pan bolts just enough to put a bit of a squeeze on the gaskets and gasket sealant. I’ll let it set overnight and then give the bolts a final torque. It calls for about 8-10 ft. lbs. which is a fair twist using one hand and a short wrench or 1/4″ drive.
Out of curiosity I opened up the old oil pump. there was significant wear on the cover as well as on the walls. So the engine wasn’t getting its proper pressure or volume which might explain why the rockers on one side and the timing gears seemed to be lacking proper lubrication.
Next up is block painting and then on to the top end.