Inspect/Replace

To access most oil pump screens, the engine oil pan must be removed.

• The oil pump sump screen, or pickup, must be checked to be sure it is clean.
• A new oil pump does not come with a new screen.
• Some rebuilders replace every screen with a new one.
• A plugged screen can ruin a new engine in a very short time.

This pump screen is full of large pieces of foreign material. Courtesy of Federal-Mogul Corporation. When the bypass valve opens on a cold morning, the foreign material will be sucked into the oil pump. Courtesy of Federal-Mogul Corporation.

• On a newly cleaned screen, make sure that the bypass is not struck permanently open.

This pump screen is defective; the bypass should be seated against the strap.

• Be certain that a screen does not have any loose or damaged wire mesh that could break loose and cause oil pump failure.