Do I need a new oil pump?

[Richard]

I recently went to my Subaru dealer and got the oil changed on my 1999
Impeza Outback sport with 73,000 miles on it. He told me that I should
replace the oil pump because it was leaking like a sieve and that it would
cost about $600. I see no oil on the garage floor and the engine does not
seem to be burning any oil. There is not alot of smoke from the exhaust and
when I check the oil it always seems full. My question is is this a
reasonable price to change the pump and is should I do it?

 

[Edward Hayes]

Normally oil pump leaks are nothing more than an O-ring replacement
that seals the pump to the block. I would get a qualified second
opinion. If your not using oil and you see no leaks I would be very
suspious of a diagnosis that says the pump or seals are bad.

 

[Rat]

I recently went to my Subaru dealer and got the oil changed on my 1999
Impeza Outback sport with 73,000 miles on it. He told me that I should
replace the oil pump because it was leaking like a sieve and that it would
cost about $600. I see no oil on the garage floor and the engine does not
seem to be burning any oil. There is not alot of smoke from the exhaust and
when I check the oil it always seems full. My question is is this a
reasonable price to change the pump and is should I do it?

A new oil pump is $99 at subaruparts.com for your car.
A decent backyard mechanic could change one out in 3 hours doing it the
first time. Very easy job to do.
I'd get a second opinion and a new dealer.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Impeza Outback sport with 73,000 miles on it. He told me that I should
replace the oil pump because it was leaking like a sieve and that it would
cost about $600. I see no oil on the garage floor and the engine does not

Say what?

Assuming you've been changing your oil at normal intervals, the pump
shouldn't be worn out (I checked mine at 250k miles and it was fine, and
my oil pressure was normal when the engine finally gave up from other
causes at 360k--it's kinda hard to believe something that lives its life
submerged in lubricant could wear out so fast!), which leaves a handful
of replaceable seals as the potential culprits (and you're just about at
the right mileage to be developing some dried and leaking seals.) About
$15-$20 max for parts. Swapping out oil pumps is just as easy as
replacing seals (cuz the pump comes out to do the seals anyway), so if
you're really worried, you can drop a benjie on a new one (source quoted
by another poster.) Have you had your timing belt(s) changed recently?
If not, you'd save a ton of money by having the t-belts, ALL the front
engine seals, and the oil pump attended to at the same time, because
you've got to go thru all the same labor whether you do part or all of
that work. Four hours labor by a pro, tops, at $85/hr? You should still
have plenty of money to take Mama out for a really nice dinner
afterward.

And I'll bet you'll save even more money by finding a different mechanic
or dealer!

Rick

 

[Mike]

How would he know? Wouldn't one have to pull the oil pan to tell the pump
was leaking, esp. if you have no low-press light and/or leaks? Isn't the
pump located in the oil sump?

Mike

 

[Rat]

How would he know? Wouldn't one have to pull the oil pan to tell the pump
was leaking, esp. if you have no low-press light and/or leaks? Isn't the
pump located in the oil sump?

Mike

No, the pump is on the front of the engine. The crankshaft goes straight
through it and it is driven by the crank. It has tapped out places where
you could fit a pressure gauge to tell if it was low. If it is only
leaking though it is either the front main seal (crank seal) or the oil
pump seal.

 

[l.lichtman]

Rick's point about the timing belt is well taken. At 73,000 mi, chances
are you still have the original timing belt, and another one isn't due
for another 30,000. I would certainly consider doing them together,
but not necessarily right away. If you have good oil pressure, never
experience low oil level, and are not drippintg oil under the car, what
would be the consequences of putting things off? And, if this oil
leakage really does become a problem, you'll know it. Then get a
timing belt, a water pump, new seals, etc. My car also put in a new
hydraulic belt tensioner.

 

[Richard]

Thanks for the all the input. I think I will do nothing for the time being
and just keep an eye on the oil levels. Also, I want to say that I had the
timing belt changed at the 60,000 mile checkup after mother had one break on
her Volvo which resulted in a repair bill of several thosand dollars.