Gil’s Garage
Gil Baumgartner
CTCI Authenticity Chairman
Many Thunderbird owners prefer to retain the original aluminum housing style oil pump during an engine rebuild. This can be easily accomplished by purchasing a MELLING Engine parts rebuild kit and following the instructions below.
Photo # 1 shows a MELLING Engine Parts, oil pump kit for original Y Block Thunderbird as well passenger car 292 & 312 CI engines. The part number is K 56 available from major auto parts stores including Auto Zone.
Photo # 2 shows the parts included in the in the rebuild kit.
(click on picture for larger image)
(click on picture for larger image)
Photo # 3 shows the gear cover on the bottom pump of the oil pump. If the inside of the cover is worn it should be resurfaced, this can usually be accomplished with sand paper backed up with a solid flat surface.
Photo # 4 shows the pump housing clean and ready to be reassembled. First install the pressure relief valve and spring.
(click on picture for larger image)
(click on picture for larger image)
Photo # 5 shows the the new gears installed in the pump housing. After the gears are installed the large O ring seal shown in the kit photo should be placed in the groove at the bottom of the pump. The last step will be to install the pump cover.
Photo # 6 shows the completed pump ready to install on the engine.
(click on picture for larger image)
(click on picture for larger image)
Gil Baumgartner