Oil pump mounting question

In my 170 I6 engine assembly I have run across a question about if a gasket should go between the pump and block. I don't remember removing one from there and can't see any evidence of one being there. Also there isn't one in my gasket set, however I've seen gaskets missing from a set. I have a motors manual and the photos don't show a gasket, BUT in the instructions it says "Position new gasket on pump housing". Now should there be one there or not?

On their instructions for the V-8 ingine it says the same thing but the phpto DOES show a gasket there.

L.D.

I would default to the instructions. Yes. I think mine had one, but I can't remember as it was 2 years ago and I just used a rebuild gasket kit on it.

Slade

i had the smae question when i put my 200ci together. i had to go get some thin paper gasket material from napa and make my own. most places have the premade gasket that goes between the pickup and pump but not the one that goes between the pump and the block. some people just go without, which maybe ok i'm pretty sure mine did not have one when i took it apart. but the shop manual talked about it and people i talked to at a mustang shop said it's better to have one.

if you get the gasket material, i think you should not get the cork stuff, it should be paper and i think it should be pretty thin. talk to the people at the store and get the right stuff.

Wow, what are the odds, I just finished installing my new rear main seal and came across the same thing. I noticed that there was no gasket between the block or the oil pump when I removed it. I was looking all over for it in my oil pan and on my garage floor. (I always thought it was mandatory for sufficient oil pressure.) I called around for a gasket which no one made. So, as said before in this thread I had to make my own. My instructions also said to position the gasket. I would go ahead and make one as it could only do good. I used the paper gasket.

I had this same question years ago when rebuilding a 200 six. My original, never rebuilt (well at least it was still standard bore, I couldn't rule out any internal tinkering ever) 200 did not have a gasket on disassembly, and my gasket set didn't include a new one, but my manuals seemed to imply there was one. In addition, my oil pump was a NOS Ford unit that came with only one gasket, for the point where the pickup tube bolts to the pump. It did not come with a base gasket.

Not sure what to do, I stopped by my local Ford dealer to order one. When the dealer had no listing for such a gasket, they directed me to an "old-timer" mechanic that worked there. He told me that Ford never put gaskets between the pump bodies and the blocks because the sleeve that protrudes from the pump into the block is the "gasket" that seals the pressurized oil passageway. He told me that using a base gasket where none was intended could lead to a stressed or cracked oil pump ear upon torquing, leading to later failure and possible engine disaster. He pointed out that you do want to use the gasket between the pump and the pickup tube because you are sealing a flat flange that has to stay airtight so the pump can pick up oil.

So the base can't leak without a gasket, and adding a gasket can stress the housing and cause trouble. Obviously the thicker the gasket used, the higher the chance of trouble. I will never make a gasket where Ford doesn't, to put where it doesn't belong, because of this explanation that an old Ford mechanic gave me.

Well, thanks guys. It is intresting to see that all were sure or at least pretty sure there was no gasket there when disambled. Every one tried to buy a gasket and none avaliable. All but one person made a gasket. It is interesting that everybodys book said to put a gasket there, yet none avaliable.

Hummmm?? I think mine is going back together without one there.
L.D.

you need a gasket from the oil pump to pick-up tube.you dont use a gasket from oil pump to block.