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Oiling System Upgrades
Last Updated
11/29/2007
The oiling system used on the Buick V6 is one area that needs attention for High Performance applications. Below is a list of some of the more common upgrades. I suggest reading the sources listed at the bottom for more comprehensive information. If you have questions about anything listed, please use the MESSAGE BOARD. Information sources listed at bottom.
PRIME THAT PUMP ! - Before explaining different
options for upgrading the lubrication system of the Buick V6, you
should know something very important. Any time the oil pump cover
is removed, the pump will loose it's prime. It needs to be packed
completely with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) before reassembly,
otherwise it will only gulp air and not pump oil! This is
recommended in every Buick manual.
USING A LARGER PF-52 OIL FILTER - The
Buick V6 uses the AC Delco PF-47 oil filter. This filter uses an
anti-drain back valve to keep it full of oil when the engine is
not running. The PF-52 can and should be substituted for the
PF-47. It is a longer filter, with the anti-drain back valve, and
does NOT require any adapter. The Buick's oiling system is poor
and allows unfiltered oil to pass through a relief valve. This
larger filter will pass more oil and therefore less unfiltered
oil will flow through the relief valve. Also, change your filter
at EVERY oil change (as Buick recommends). If you prefer
to not make any changes to your engine's oiling system, I
recommend this at a minimum. It costs nothing at your next oil
change.
. HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - Behind
the large nut on the pump cover is a relief valve. The valve
spring can be changed or shimmed to change the relief pressure.
The nut can also be replaced with an adjustable regulator for
"fine tuning" the relief pressure. NOTE: This will not
help a pump with low pressure. It will not increase pump volume,
only the relief pressure.
USING A LARGER PF-24 OIL FILTER -
Some early Buick V6's and 350 V8's used a pump cover which accommodates the
larger PF-24 oil filter. It will look identical to the current cover, but
not say "METRIC" across the bottom. Not all will fit - make sure
the filter's angle to the engine is the same so the filter can clear the
frame. (I have told that oil pump cover kit GM # 12337254 will work
and there are other numbers as well.)
BLOCK OFF PLATE - This device was
developed by Jim Ruggles and has been recommend in several Buick
manuals. It is a plate installed between the pump cover and body
that reroutes the oil flow path. The plate can be installed with
out removing the timing cover. It does require a cut or hole be
made in the pump cover. Not as effective as the High Volume
Spacer**, but easier to install. The High Volume Spacer and Block
Off Plate can be used together**
HIGH VOLUME SPACER - Higher oil volume
and pressure can be obtained by using a 1/4" thick spacer
between the pump cover and housing. Along with the spacer, longer
gears are installed. The spacer is align using pins and it is
probably best to install with the cover removed from the engine.
This may have been stock on some year Turbo V6's, but it is not
clear from the parts catalogs. There are aftermarket timing
covers that have deeper housing incorporated in to the casting
that allow the use of the longer gears without the spacer. Sealed
Power # 224-518V (TRW 51112) and Melling kits should be available
at local parts stores. Kenne-Bell as has a kit, # KB18202, that
uses an aluminum spacer (instead of cast iron) which they claim
is more compatible with the aluminum housing and cover.
Sources:
* Jim Ruggles' Buick Stage One V6 Performance
Guide, Petersen Publishing Company
** Kenne-Bell Buick V6 Catalog