RE:Catastrophic oil pump failure

["Smeins, Larry" <lsmeins@ball.com>]

This reminds me of an experience I had many years ago.  A guy that was
working for me came in one morning and said that the oil pressure light
had gone bad on his Porsche.  He had a recently restored 356B that was
the pride of his life.  I asked if he was sure it was the light.  He
paled on realizing what he may have just done, five miles without oil
pressure.  He grabbed some wrenches and we went out to investigate.  No
oil pressure.  The pump drive slot in the cam had stripped out.  Engine
showed no undue signs of stress on teardown but was rebuilt completely
anyway.

The pump drive may have failed on your 4kq. 

Larry

>Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 08:59:47 -0700
>From: Ron Wood <vw-audisport@worldnet.att.net>
>Subject: Catastrophic oil pump failure

>I was wondering if anyone has experienced a similar situation. The car 
>is an 87 4KQ, 120k miles, previously no problems. I got the car with
the 
>oil light on (was towed in), checked oil pressure w/ gauge, no
pressure. 
>I pulled off oil pan expecting a clogged pick up screen, but it was 
>clear, no cracks in pick tube either. The presssure relief valve was 
>moving freely, not stuck open or anything, all the plugs for crank 
>drilling were still in place as well. Everything points toward a pump, 
>however, I find it hard to believe it would not have any pressure even 
>when cold, out of all bad pumps I've seen, they have always made some 
>pressure at least when cold. Has anyone seen something like this ??
>TIA
>Ron Wood-Audis a plenty