• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Oil pan/Timing Cover off - Should I replace chain/pump?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Big_B
  • Start date Start date Apr 17, 2007
B

Big_B

New Member
Oct 22, 2003
121
0
0
Sacramento
Apr 17, 2007
#1
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • #1
So I am "renovating" a ~20 year old rebuilt 289, and ended up pulling the timing chain cover and oil pan becuase it was pretty much leaking from all over. I measured the deflection in the chain at 1/4", and the shop manual says 1/2" is maximum acceptable. Also it has had low oil pressure at the guage for years, but I am thinking a little of that is related to leaking all over.

It only has a new intake and 4bbl and headers, and I don't see a cam in the future. I just want it back on the road. The engine probably has ~40-60k on it. Compression was fine when I checked before the tear down. Oh and it is still in the car.

Should I go ahead and replace the timing chain becuase I am in there? What about the oil pump? From reading threads it seems like a high volume would be better than a high pressure.
 

iskwezm

10 Year Member
May 24, 2005
4,159
20
79
Rowland Heights,California
Apr 17, 2007
#2
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • #2
for the price of parts, might as well
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Apr 17, 2007
#3
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • #3
iskwezm said:
for the price of parts, might as well
Click to expand...

I completely agree- the parts are cheap and you already did all the work.
 

Stanger007

Founding Member
Sep 26, 2001
2,015
2
46
Baton Rouge, LA
Apr 17, 2007
#4
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • #4
Swap 'em out - do it right, do it once.



Wes
 
6

66overhaul

New Member
Feb 22, 2007
22
0
1
Apr 17, 2007
#5
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • #5
Reply

Hi:
Considering the cost of the timing chain vs. the cost of the chain breaking it really is obvious. One point though. You say the engine is about 20 years old. I am not sure how you know that as an estimate, but you do not mention the water pump. What are you doing with it? If you are not putting it back, but are going to replace it make, sure you know which one you have. My 66 mustang 289 could come with one of two different kinds, and you cannot tell which one it is until it is off. If yours is the same situation, (and I know later 289s after about 1970 don't have that problem) be careful. The difference is with the backer/ timing chain cover plate.
Good luck.
Frank
 
6

65fast

Member
May 16, 2004
38
0
6
Mt. Airy
Apr 17, 2007
#6
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • #6
If it is a stock pan, I wouldn't put on a high vol. or high press pump. The pump could suck all the oil out of sump before any gets a chance to get back down to the pan. Put a mechanical gauge o/p gauge on it temporarily a see what you have, the stock gauges are not too accurate.

Also check the water passage holes on your timing cover, if they are pretty pitted it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the timing cover either.
 
B

Big_B

New Member
Oct 22, 2003
121
0
0
Sacramento
Apr 17, 2007
#7
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • #7
Thanks gang. Looking back I guess it's kind of an obvious answer.


<b>66overhaul</b>
Yup I'm going to change out the water pump. Thanks for the reminder about the different ones.

<b>65fast</b>
About the pitted thing - I noticed it was in pretty bad shape when I was cleaning it. Maybe I'll do that too, although those things aren't too cheap for what they are.
 

Max Power

Active Member
Jul 31, 2003
1,774
1
36
St Paul
Apr 18, 2007
#8
  • Apr 18, 2007
  • #8
65fast said:
If it is a stock pan, I wouldn't put on a high vol. or high press pump. The pump could suck all the oil out of sump before any gets a chance to get back down to the pan.
Click to expand...

Myth.

http://data.melling.com/TECH.php

Click on the High Volume pdf and read the document.

I run a melling hi-volume on a 393 stroker with a stock pan and I am fine. The pump can't pump any faster than the engines clearances. Period.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Quick question about water pump / timing chain cover
  • D Durden
  • Oct 22, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
245
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Nov 6, 2025
GOvert
G
351w aluminum oil pump?
  • Kid wita 5oh
  • Oct 28, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
175
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 28, 2025
Mustang5L5
N
Edelbrock 1405 Setup
  • nathantaylor200
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Replies
3
Views
232
Classic Mustang Specific Tech Nov 5, 2025
nathantaylor200
N
S
Timing chain, guides and tensioner installation (Possible orientation in Intake Stroke)
  • StallionMax
  • Sep 21, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
382
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Sep 24, 2025
StallionMax
S
B
Engine Strange Noise
  • burntokita
  • May 8, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
377
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 11, 2026
keel
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?