The oil pump bolt plays an extremely important role in regulating the smooth and durable operation of the engine.
Every time oil flows through the engine, pressure also increases, driving the oil to the destination it needs to serve.
Because of the importance of this part, knowing the SBC oil pump bolt torque and the correct installation process will help the drivers easily monitor the “health” of their oil pump system.
At the same time, this oil pump bolt torque SBC indicator will also allow you to consider the right upgrades to boost the overall performance of the oil pump system when it degrades over time.
What Is The SBC Oil Pump Bolt?
SBC (small-block Chevy) oil pump bolt is the term for all small oil pump bolt products from the Chevrolet brand. Usually, they will be 1/4″ in length while the thread size is 7/16″.
In terms of operating mechanism, they use a gear oil pump to drive the drive out of the camshaft.
Oil flows from the pan, circulates through the shaft, and is pressed between the gears to create volume and pressure to maintain vehicle operation.
What Is The SBC Oil Pump Bolt Torque?
According to the data provided by the manufacturer, the SBC oil pump bolt can provide torques ranging from 60 to 70 ft lbs.
Under ideal conditions, SBC oil pump torque can be as good as a 7/16 inch inner main cap bolt with a bolt tension of 70 ft-lbs.
Overall, its stats are far superior to other bolts of the Chevy small-block classification, such as:
| Type | Nut torque rating (ft-lbs) |
| Cylinder head bolts | 65 |
| Pressure plate bolts | 35 |
| 3/8″ outer main cap bolt | 40 |
| 11/32″ connecting rod bolts | 38-44 |
| 3/8″ rod bolt head | 40-45 |
| Screw-in rocker arm studs | 50 |
| Sprocket cam bolts | 18-20 |
| Intake manifold bolts | 30 |
| Harmonic damper bolt | 60 |
| Flywheel/flexplate bolts | 65 |
| Exhaust manifold bolts | 25 |
| Bellhousing bolts | 25 |
How to Install The SBC Oil Pump Bolt?
Installing the SBC oil pump bolt at home is not as difficult a process as you might think because the manufacturer in the accompanying manual guides everything that needs to be done.
But if you don’t know where to start, scroll down for the most detailed instructions!
Step 1: Clean The Pump
Ensure the pump is completely clean by removing all foreign objects and dirt on the product surface. Then, dip it in pure oil to clean it completely again.
Use your fingers to manually rotate the gears until they work as smoothly as possible. When starting the oil pump bolt system, you can significantly reduce wheel slip or jam.
Step 2: Check The Surface And Bolting
Screw on the block flange or main cover, then check the surface’s cleanliness and flatness. Do not ignore any problem, or you will face the risk of being under pressure and oil leakage.
Drivers who use pins to align the oil pumps must be fixed neatly without deviating from the working position. When you discover a broken latch, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible.
Step 3: Install The Distributor
Assemble the pump and install the engine dispenser according to the manufacturer’s manual instructions.
After completing this task, you need to check the operation of the oil pump drive shaft with an acceptable error in the range of 0.020″ – 0.125″.
Failure to follow our instructions will damage your drive gears and even the pump.
When the test is completed without errors, you need to check the clearance of the main cover access hole and the drive shaft. Also, inspect all passages through the block to avoid potential interference.
Your exclusive note: Use a drive shaft that uses a steel bushing to protect the product from damage and loss of oil pressure.
If you do not comply with this provision, you will not receive any warranty from the product manufacturer.
Step 4: Install The Oil Pan
In this step, you need to check all clearances between the bottom of the pan and the pump pickup screen through the following procedure:
Place the pump in the motor’s correct position, then screw it securely. Put a straight edge (on the pickup), then measure the distance from it to the block pan rail.
After taking the measurement about 2 to 3 times, record its average as pickup height.
Measure the distance from the pan rail to the bottom of the oil pan and record it as pan depth.
Subtract these 2 measurements from each other, and you will get the distance from the pickup to the oil pan.
Determine the length of the gasket based on this measurement and fill the gap (Ideal clearance ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 inches).
Step 5: Change The Pressure Relief Springs
The tower plugs the cap or rear latch to separate the spring. Continue to remove the magnet plunger and then check the wear condition of the surface of this product.
Clean all dirt and foreign objects on its surface to ensure that it does not cause any adverse effects on the pressure relief spring.
During reinstallation, you must insert the ring plunger’s pointed end first. At the same time, the wide end of the reel is required to point toward the plug or pin.
FAQs
What Drives Oil Pump On A SBC?
The parts responsible for the drive include the crankshaft, the distributor on the balancer shaft (to reduce the pump speed), or the camshaft gear.
Gear pumps are mostly driven by the crankshaft or camshaft and sometimes by chain or external belts.
Do You Need a High Volume Oil Pump For SBC?
The answer is an absolute “Yes”! The high-volume pumps are responsible for keeping every part of the oil system (e.g., remote oil filter, cooling system) operating at ideal capacity.
Because of this great use, some engine builders prefer to use them on engines with high mileage or wide bearing clearances to stimulate the motor to work as efficiently as possible.
How Much Oil Pressure Should A SBC Have At Idle?
According to the thumb rule, an ideal Chevy 350 oil pump torque specs should be 12/15 psi per 1000 rpm. However, this number is not true for all types of oil pumps.
Some products even allow users to reach peak levels of 15 to 20 psi at idle!
Some Last Words
Your vehicle can only have the ideal SBC oil pump bolt torque figure when this system is properly installed and serviced.
Check and measure the index regularly to detect if the oil pump part shows signs of deterioration and needs replacement.
Through this article, we hope to have provided you with useful information regarding the installation and measurement of the oil pump bolt.
Whenever you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us! Good luck!