17-04-2023, 09:05 PM
Continuing responses are much appreciated, if sometimes only to confirm the true mystery we have. Engine newly assembled from scrupulously cleaned parts. Oil pump parts as fully discussed above. Pressure gauges swapped, oil flow checked, gallery clear. Oil pump drive assembled as they have been before, so whilst avoiding complacency no immediate concerns. Two items mentioned by Chris that will require inspection tomorrow, and they are the blanking plugs. Not found on the gauze, but no recollection of having double checked their presence, that's just a sump off job. The other question is the gasket on top of the oil pump, described in Woodrow as joint washer. To get to the retaining nut on top of the oil pump drive shaft might access be possible by lifting the block with pistons at half stroke? On the Chummy, taking off the starter motor will allow access to the two back nuts, whereas on the Ruby splitting head from block is an engine out job. No I am not going to drop in a three cylinder Kubota to allow 76mpg! Further reports in due course.