On a 351W motor is there suppose to be a gasket between the pump and the block? I know that there is one between the pump and the pick-up tube but nor sure on the other?
There was a debate about this on a 5.0 forum, and the answer seemed to be a coin-toss. On one hand, people said if a gasket is available, use it - but on the other, some said using a gasket increased the chances of sucking a piece of that gasket (with age) into the oil-pump.
Don't know on the 351w, but some of the engine builders said if the surfaces are completely flat (block and pump) they prefer NOT to use a gasket. Apparently if the surfaces are not perfectly flat, you can file them flat. FWIW - I've only assembled 4 or 5 SBFs, but I've never used a gasket there, and never had a issue.
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1995 GT convertible - Laser Red
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I've torn down a number of engines I believe to have the original pumps and they had no gaskets. I always use one though.
I once had a 289 loosen up the pump to block bolts. Cruising at 2500 rpm all oil pressure would go away then return as I slowed. Since then I also use Loc-Tite on those bolts even though the factory didn't do that either. People who have quite a bit of money in a race engine will safety wire the oil pump and pickup bolts which is also an excellent non-factory practice.
There was a debate about this on a 5.0 forum, and the answer seemed to be a coin-toss. On one hand, people said if a gasket is available, use it - but on the other, some said using a gasket increased the chances of sucking a piece of that gasket (with age) into the oil-pump.
Are we talking about the high pressure side or the low pressure?
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What's a bolt on
Are we talking about the high pressure side or the low pressure?
Hmmm - you're right. Since this gasket is between the pump and block - that would be the output side going away from the pump. In the highly-unlikey event a "chunk" of gasket did break-off - it should head straight to the filter with no real chance of sinking back towards the pump... I still think it's a toss-up. All the factory SBFs I've torn-down did not have a gasket there...
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gasket or no gasket/oil pump
