A car’s lifeblood is the oil pumping through its system. When an engine is started, it gets to work lubricating the bearings, transferring heat away from the cylinders, and generally taming all that raw power into something resembling forward motion. Learn how much does it cost to replace an oil pump.
If this doesn’t happen then it leads to a lack of performance or even catastrophic failure for some components, both of which lead to a costly repair bill at best and insurance write-off at worst.
One of the components in charge of transferring this lifeblood around the engine is the oil pump. It’s normally located inside the sump but it’s not unheard of for some manufacturers to locate them inside the timing cover or even on top of the engine.
Oil pumps are usually reliable but occasionally they wear out – especially older engines where harsh starts and high revs have taken their toll over years of service.
You can expect to pay $200 for a new oil pump however, there are a few other potential costs to be aware of.
What are Bad Oil Pump Symptoms
The following are some signs that might indicate you need to change the oil pump:
1. Low Oil Pressure/Oil Pressure Warning Light Comes on
When you turn on the ignition, your oil pressure gauge or warning light should indicate that there is sufficient oil pressure.
2. Increased Temperature in Engine
This is normally caused by oil not being delivered to specific components. This will result in the engine overheating and could also lead to a lack of power or worse.
3. Valve-Train Noise
The noise is most likely to be heard in the engine compartment and it will sound like ticking or tapping. It’s most likely caused by the pistons.
4. Oil Pump Noise
If you can hear a whining noise when you rev the engine, this could be caused by your oil pump.
5. Hydraulic Lifters Noise
This sound is similar to valve-train noise but it’s normally deeper. It’s caused by hydraulic cylinders in your engine known as valves or lifters.
Related Codes
- P06DD Code – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off
- P0523 Code – Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch High Input
- P0008 Code – Engine Position System Performance Bank 1
Oil Pump Replacement Cost
When it comes to the cost of replacing an oil pump the price is heavily affected by the make and model of your car.
The average price for a replacement oil pump ranges from $30 to over $400, however, this doesn’t include all the other costs you might have to pay. You should expect to pay:
For parts: $150
For labor: $150
Potential Extra Costs
The following are some of the items that might need replacing when you’ve changed your oil sump.
- Oil Pump Gaskets May Need Replacing
- Cracked Oil Pan and Engine Oil May Need Replacement
- Valve Cover Gaskets May Need Replacing
- Timing Cover Gasket Needs Replacing
On average, you could expect to pay an additional $200 for these replacement parts.
Summary of Costs
If you’ve got a new oil pump and you need to change the gaskets, then the total cost is going to be around:
$150 or For Parts + $200 for Labor = $350 – Around £220 | US$390.
In addition, if your engine suffers from any other problems as well as a bad oil pump then you’ll have to fork out more money on top of that.
How To Know If Oil Pump Is Still Working
You can tell if your oil pump is working correctly, simply, by checking your oil level.
If the oil levels are normal, then the oil pump should be working correctly.
When it’s not working, you might find that low oil pressure or overheating issues appear and it could affect your vehicle’s performance.
In rare cases, oil pumps can seize causing serious damage to your engine. In these instances, you’ll usually hear a loud knocking noise from the engine or it might even stall completely when you attempt to start it up.
If your vehicle doesn’t run smoothly when compared with other similar models then it’s worth having a mechanic take a look underneath the bonnet and check that everything is in working order. This could save you a costly repair bill in the long term.
How Long Does Oil Pump Usually Last
To be fair, there is no specific answer to that question.
The life of an oil pump varies dramatically depending on multiple factors including:
- How often you use your vehicle and how far it’s driven each time.
- How much wear and tear the engine has suffered throughout its service life.
- If you’ve used poor quality lubricants – especially in large quantities if they are not suitable for your engine or car model.
Oil pumps normally last anywhere between 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
However, if you’ve got a high-performance vehicle that’s driven hard on regular occasions then it might last less than 30,000 miles.
At the same time, if your engine is in good condition and you use the right lubricants then it might last longer than expected.
Is it Safe to Drive a Car with a Bad Oil Pump?
The hard answer is no, you should not drive the vehicle.
Driving with an oil pump that’s faulty can lead to engine seizure which will cost you even more money to fix.
It could also cause your oil levels to drop – which is equally dangerous as it leads to overheating and loss of power.
However, if you’ve got no choice but to travel a short distance then follow these guidelines:
- Take frequent breaks so that your engine can cool down adequately.
- Have someone come with you in case you experience problems along the way or need help restarting the car when needed.
- Ask for assistance from members of staff at local garages who might be able to tow your vehicle if necessary.
- Prepare a spare can of oil and a funnel in case you need to top up the engine during your journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’ve got engine problems and you need to change the oil pump, then be prepared to pay at least $350.
This figure can vary depending on the parts you need as well as labor costs. It also depends on whether you buy new parts or used ones instead.
If your vehicle still runs smoothly but the oil pump needs replacing then that will cost around $250 – which is a significant saving if it’s swapped out straight away.
However, driving a car with a faulty oil pump can lead to more costly engine repairs so check underneath the bonnet regularly and have a mechanic inspect it for you. This way you’ll prevent yourself from being stranded further down the road and save money in the long term.
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