Im doing a rebuild on an all original B16A2 for a mild turbo project. Im trying to decide if its worth it to replace the oil pump. I have no reason to believe the oil pump is bad. Although I have not run the engine. But The engine is in good condition overall. I would estimate close to 200,000 miles on the motor. In close to 15 years of driving hondas, Ive never had an oil pump problem of any sort. And Here in Canada, its going to cost $300 for a new Yamada pump. So reusing the original pump is a consideration.

Going for a quality build here, on a budget. Id really like to put the money towards needed parts like forged pistons. Input?

 

There's no such thing as quality on a budget. Quality is priceless and costs money... budget builds are a time bomb and are suspect/risky at best... but you got what you paid for. Why risk all of the new pieces that you have purchased to make this build just to save $300 and not replace the oil pump. It has 200K miles on it... a new pump is good insurance. The $300 over budget is FAR cheaper than replacing the engine.

 

Being you are going to do a turbo I would suggest your read this post:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/forced.../#post49511865

After you read through the well laid out and written post by @TheShodan, then you can decide what you wish to do with your oil pump.

Cheers.

 

Think of it like this, if your pump does go, the nice pistons you bought wont really be damaged just cheap used/old rod/main bearings and a dime a dozen crank pretty much. I say leave it in throw some lucas in there to keep pressure up, you have! other options you just need to stay focused on where to invest some cheap insurance.

 

Totally disagree that there is no such thing as a quality build on a budget. Budget does not mean time bomb. It means using resources wisely. Ok a budget build can be junk. But expensive builds can be junk too. A budget build can mean using mostly original oem parts. OEM parts are usually the best.

I do hear the comments. But a builder probably wouldnt replace the crankshaft. Its assumed that part is still good. So why replace the oil pump? Just because? If its pumping pressure within spec then it should continue to do so. At what point is it no good? 200,000 miles? 500,000 miles? Infinite life? How many people have actually worn out an oil pump.

 

definitely an informative post. But this is for special applications. Shodan states for the standard turbo guy with no cooler who does a few highway pulls on the weekend stock pressure is adequate.

 

As the saying goes, YMMV

 

You can safely reuse an OEM oil pump if it measures within spec and there's no visible damage to the gears or housing. The pumps generally last a long time. I've pulled apart high mileage engines and the pump clearances were still on the tighter end of the spec.

 

The issue can be if you are adding stress to the pump gear like a Turbo tends to do, or high RPM etc etc.

It's not that the pump is out of spec or even that it can't pump enough, it can without issue. What it doesn't have is the same durability when stressed with higher than normal RPM and or higher than normal heat and or higher than normal pressure from larger capacity systems (turbo oil coolers etc). In these cases you need a forged gear over the OEM as the OEM can disintegrate under extreme conditions.

OP has decided his conditions are not in the same extremes that require it so will re-use assuming it specs out.

 

If it was mine, I'd check the clearance and a good visual inspection for scoring/damage and run with it. If you aren't shooting for 500hp or 10,000 rpm then I personally wouldn't worry. When your beating on it later just keep in mind what parts ya used. If that comment makes ya uneasy, I'd probably go for a new unit or upgraded gear assembly.

 

Inspect the oil pump..when its good replace the spring.

 

oil pumps dont wear out. constant 2 stepping, red lining , drag racing or even on those long cross country drives weakens the oil pump. who knows the condition of the motor if it was ever ran with it overheated, blown head gasket, low oil, no oil, or even if the oil was ever changed. the only reason to replace it is to have the piece of mind that it doesnt break apart when you really need it to work.