Oil pump alignment problem

[pauliediesel]

Hello
I re-installed the stock oil pump on my tc as the repair manual stated;
while rotating the engine to let the pump find it's natural center, torque the oil pump bolts in sequence to 90-120 in.lbs
I was spinning the motor via the connecting rods while a buddy torqued the bolts. as he tightned it the motor became very difficult to turn. almost impossible.
I removed the cam plate and re-checked everything.but the same thing happened again. is this normal.
any thoughts?
Paul

[johnsachs]

Sounds like one of the plates with the ears on it isn't seated,or positioned right.The gerotor gears are supposed to sit flush with the housing with a small amount of finger pressure.
John

[Jeff S.]

John is right here. Double check because besides parasitic drag from the pump, the oil pump should in no way effect the cranks ability to turn. Like I said, some parasitic drag is expected, but if you lubed the gears for proper installation it should be minimal.

[timberz]

Originally Posted by pauliediesel

Hello
I re-installed the stock oil pump on my tc as the repair manual stated;
while rotating the engine to let the pump find it's natural center, torque the oil pump bolts in sequence to 90-120 in.lbs
I was spinning the motor via the connecting rods while a buddy torqued the bolts. as he tightned it the motor became very difficult to turn. almost impossible.
I removed the cam plate and re-checked everything.but the same thing happened again. is this normal.
any thoughts?
Paul

I believe there's a new way to align the oil pump on a TC88 engines. I can't find the H-D Tech notice but I did find a reference to it in American Iron mag, Nov. 2003. I think I ran into the service bulletin on HarleyHogs Lair. Just not sure and I can't find it on my desk. The new alignment involves using the Evo tappet block alignment tools. Got 2 of them on my desk here .....JIMS #33443-84. You might want to check into this. I have the American Iron article on file as a .pdf if you would like it.

This won't help with your binding problem but will give you a crack at getting the pump aligned properly. I've got some blowby problems and am going to re-align using this method and throw a heavier spring for increase in oil pressure.

[Ed Y]

Here's the new procedure from Technical tip bulletin #54:

TC-88 Oil Pump Alignment
This procedure must be performed anytime an oil pump is removed and reinstalled to ensure proper oil pump function. It has been observed that some TC-88 engines are experiencing oil in the air cleaner when the vehicle is driven at high speeds. The correction for this condition is to align the oil pump using the EVO tappet block alignment screws, P/N HD- 33443.
1. Loosen all pump assembly mounting screws
2. Remove two screws diagonal to each other
3. Install tappet block alignment screws in these two positions
4. Torque the remaining screws
5. Remove alignment screws
6. Install previously removed screws and torque