PLay in Oil Pump?

[[HTi]Johnson]

Hello all. Sorry I don't have pics but I was wondering if there is supposed to be play in the oil pump shaft. I know side to side is bad but what about in and out...there's like 3/16th inch of play?

Thanks,

Justin Johnson

[idosubaru]

that's normal...of course i can't see how much play you're talking about and i've never measured mine though. i unexpectedly ran into that before as well. first couple times was off a perfectly good running engine and i've since assumed it is normal....within some tolerance of course. i've always seen and never had issue.

[[HTi]Johnson]

When I reinstall my oil pump...do I use any sealant with the new gaskets...if so, where?

[idosubaru]

not "with" the new gaskets. but in a way, yes. just above and below (at noon and 6 o'clock) on the block you should put a dab of sealant. you don't need any sealant to touch the gaskets, though i've seen some done like that when i've taken them apart before. if you look closely you'll see where the two halves of the blocks come together in a hatched kind of pattern...zigzag you might say. that's why it's at noon and 6 oclock, it's where the block halves meet. this being not necessarily perfectly flush, it's a good idea (and shown in the FSM) to put a dab of anaerobic sealant in this area. you'll want the sealant to be between the block and oil pump housing, but not in/on the gasket. one side is really tight and you almost have to get some sealant in the groove for the mickey mouse gasket.