I plucked the engine out of my 63 Valiant to install the trans adapter bushing for the 74 engine put in two owners ago. It already has the bushing... Doh! As long as it's out anyway, I'm replacing the front trans seal, and prettifying everything. The oil pump is staring me in the face. Should I? It ran great, no smoke, oil light shut off immediately on startup, with no rattling. But I never put a pressure gauge on it before I pulled the engine out (dumb) Roll the dice? What do you guys think. Is Melling an ok brand still? My head hurts.

_________________
I'm sure I can do this without disconnecting the battery. What could possibly go wrong?

do not allow the torque converter to hang free on the transmission while the engine is out, for any extended period, or the seal may develop a set on the bottom in a flattened condition. always rest the TC on the floor while the engine is out.

at the very least remove the pump cover and inspect for wear, look for deep scratching and measure the depth with a depth gauge, but i would not replace a pump for its own sake. if you want to build it up in the future, now may be a good time to open-up the passages with some mild porting and hit the Doc up for a hardened drive gear.

_________________
I've been calling it as i see it for my entire life and that's not about to change. Take it or leave it.

Thanks, will pull the cover tomorrow.

_________________
I'm sure I can do this without disconnecting the battery. What could possibly go wrong?