Re: Spica is off, more questions

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@domain.elided>]

Hi Tony:

You can use a gasket made out of the slightly thicker material without 
consequence, but only between the pump body and the oil filter housing.  If 
you're asking about the gasket between the filter housing and the timing 
cover, you need the proper, thin gasket and a new o-ring.  Try Wes Ingram 
for the 2 pieces.

The thin grey oil is likely diluted by fuel, and also a bit by condensed 
moisture that gets mixed in.  With every oil change, it's a good idea to 
pull out the barometric capsule (that's the piece on top of the pump with 
three countersunk screws), and pour a half-quart or so of fresh engine oil 
into the Spica pump, before you drain the engine.  This will flush the old 
oil into the engine's sump, where you'll drain it off with the other old 
oil.  No need to worry about overfilling the pump, as the oil will reach 
the proper level by draining any excess into the sump.  If you have a 
serious case of oil dilution by fuel, that's a sure sign the pump is due 
for a rebuild.  After you change the oil, and have driven for several 
hundred miles, smell the oil in the Spica and in the engine sump.  There 
really shouldn't be any odor of fuel, but a little is acceptable, 
especially in the pump.

Regards,

Dean

At 10:18 PM 11/24/2002, you wrote:

> Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 18:17:29 -0600
> From: Tony Martie <tony@domain.elided>
> Subject: Spica is off, more questions
>
> It took quite some time today but my Spica pump is out of the car.  The
> pump was working fine but leaking oil.  Now I'm not so sure about it's
> condition.  The oil that ran out of it was very grey and thin, kind of
> milky.  What is the probable cause and consequence of this?
>
> The mounting gasket is almost paper thin.  Do I need to cut a new one
> of these or are they available anywhere?  I ask because the only cut it
> your self gasket material I have seen is quite a bit thicker and I am
> concerned that thicker material might keep that little o-ring from
> sealing effectively.
>
> Thanks again, you guys are the best.  Without this group I would surely
> be shelling out a lot of money to mechanics.
>
>
> Tony Martie
> 78 Spider
> http://tmpd.net
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