Oil pump replacement...

[saturnine_sweet]

Hey everyone, Im replacing the oil pump on my 96 3.8...right now, Im trying to get the balancer off...problem is, the damn haynes manual is totally useless on this subject.

I have an auto. The only picture is for a manual. It says to "remove the starter and bellhousing cover plate." Is this a cover plate over the starter (if so, what am I looking for, what does it look like, etc, because I didnt see much of anything over the starter..) or is this bad grammar, instead meaning to say "remove the starter, then remove the bellhouse cover plate." I just need to get access to the flywheel to hold it so I can pop the bolt on the balancer...but there is not info on how to do so on an auto in the haynes...damn thing is near to useless...

Also, is there any way to hold the flywheel without needng a second person?

Thanks in advance, if I can get that off, I'll be done in no time and back in business....

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

there is a SMALL access to the flywheel without haveing to remove the starter, it is between the starter and the oil pan, maybe an inch or two wide, but big enough to get a screw driver into. And yes get the screw driver jammed in there and you are good to go no second person needed.

[saturnine_sweet]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

Hey, thanks! I'll see if I can't find that....I looked all over yesterday, didnt see it, but then again, the underside of my car isnt exactly very clean....lol Should be able to find it now, knowing where to look!

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

like I said its small, I didnt realize it the first time till my starter was off.

[saturnine_sweet]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

hmmmm...not seeing it. Is it front/back/left/right/top/bottom? Or might it just be more expedient to remove the starter? lol

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

mine was between the starter and the oil pan.

best way to describe it.

[saturnine_sweet]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

I found it, but trying to use a screwdriver just snapped the screwdriver in half...so I went ahead and pulled the starter....but Im guessing that once you do that, you have to have a second person, from the looks of things...so I gotta wait now...lol

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

snapped a Screw driver, that is impressive. You will have to retrieve the broken tip now as well.

[saturnine_sweet]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

yeah, I know...was thinking perhaps one of those magnetic pickup tools? lol dont want to take it all apart, really...

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

you could try that....man you musta used a flimsy screw driver

[Vanquish]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

Wow, you must be strong. :P Next time buy a real screwdriver, not a toy one. J/K

I remember I bought a set of screwdrivers once, and thought I was getting a steal due to the price. Well, after using them and all of them breaking when trying to put a small amount of pressure on them, I realized who was the one robbing who.

[saturnine_sweet]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

yeah, I dunno...just went and bought one of those lifetime guarantee ones from Autozone...it snapped too...anyone know what that tool made for this is?? Because screw the screwdrivers...lol...they aint going to work. I also ripped through a socket adapter :( This bastard doesnt want to come off of there....

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

i used a VERY thick screw driver, worked like a charm.

[auto666]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

if you use an impact gun you dont need to hold it, im curious am i the only one with a decent amout of tools and an air compressor?:(

[saturnine_sweet]

Re: Oil pump replacement...

I was not aware that you didnt need to hold it with an impact gun, actually...but no, I dont have one lol might have to look into that...someday when I have money for one!