Oil Pump Question

I'm replacing the timing chain on a 225, is it necessary to re-pack the oil pump gears with vaseline after removing the timing cover?

 

Should still be full of oil? No?

 

When I did mine I made a priming tool out of a screwdriver. Packing oil pump may help get it started but I didn't bother. I think the grease trick is more for the 134 where you can't prime it with a drill.

While you're in there I would update the timing cover seal with a modern crank seal if you haven't already or just replace it anyways. Check your oil pump gears and timing cover are to spec. I went all out and did the lifters and cam while I was in there. Also while your spinning the pump with the drill you can check oil flow at the rockers. These things are oil starved at the push rods so every little bit helps. Melling has nice gear and chain sets. Replace as a set and don't forget a new tensioner. You will be shocked at how much slop is eliminated when you install the new set. When I bought mine it had a Melling cam and Cloyes timing set and it was 100 less. This kit looks a little different.

Buick 225 V6 1964-1971 Cam Kit | Northern Auto Parts

 

Well I didn't expect to find this...
This is the 225 in my Commando. It's had a clatter at idle since I bought it, which sounded like it was coming from the timing chain. So I pulled the front cover this morning (extra PITA with the A/C!) and find this- NO tensioner, and the spring for the tensioner is sitting on top of the lower sprocket! I would have guessed, based on the grime on this engine, that it had never been opened, but there's no sign of the tensioner anywhere. Evidently someone left the tensioner out at some point, but it's been a LONG time ago, based on how much filth was on the front of this engine.

 

The tensioner is probably in the oil pan. Looks like a Cloyes upper sprocket so it's definitely been apart before. https://www.bmaparts.com/catalog-2/itemdetail/cloyes/s334t I'm pretty sure the original would have had phenolic teeth.

 

It doesn't look like it would fit, the gap at the bottom is pretty narrow

 

Once it gets chewed up by the timing chain it might!

 

It's time for complete overhaul...sorry for the opinion...that gives me flashbacks to finding the seeping block freeze plugs when I was ready to swap the transmission.
I had the bell off and those seeping freeze plugs staring me in the face...screaming, "It's time for engine overhaul!"
I decided to renew the engine at that time...and never looked back.

 

Yeah, that's not going to happen. This thing runs great, and I'm just trying to get rid of the noise so I can sell it this summer.

 

Got the new chain (with tensioner!) installed and the cover back on, and decided to call it a day. My back is killing me...

 

How long is it ?

 

How long is what??

 

The Commando...

 

101" wheelbase. The whole thing is about 14'6".

 

I would have pulled the pan for a look see if nothing else. My pump screen had remnants of the rope seal. Glad I pulled the pan. Easiest pan ever to pull. Used bolts for safety wire on the pickup tube while in there. Did it have a rope front seal?

 

Got it all back together yesterday and it runs great with no noise!
The AC brackets on this thing make working on the front of the engine a real headache, I had it on and off several times getting everything hooked up. I should have paid more attention to the order in which I took things apart, would have saved myself some hassle.

 

That looks like an old York bolt pattern. I have a couple of these. That mount is a beast. Do you have a/c or use for onboard air? They were an R-12 system with mineral oil.

 

Genuine Jeep add on AC
See post #71 in my Commando thread.
http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/142894/

 

Nice. A compressor will fit on a 225. Looks like a relocated alternator. I could do this and have onboard air. BTW...one of the compressors
I have is for a 258 and has brackets and evaporator coil. I have no use for it now. Came out of some Rambler. If I remember correctly,
there was an extra boss cast in to the 258 Rambler block for the bracket. I am sure that could be overcome.