Fred,
The oil pump does have a SUPER THIN gasket on the housing.
You are correct about the pump itself. Usually you'll see
the wear between the gears and the ALUMINUM bottom cover.
Machining that cover flat, and a full inspection of the gears,
is all that is needed. I still have a new pump that I have
never installed.
I would also pay attention to the pressure relief spring.
There is a little piston in there, with the spring behind
it. Pressure relief, but if the engine was full of metal bits
(common when you loose a timing chain), the relief piston may
get jammed in the OPEN position. If I find scoring, or problems..
toss the pump, and just replace it. Cheap insurance.
Pay close attention to that oil pump to engine block gasket.
Early ones have an offset hole, installed the wrong way and you'll
get NO oil flow. Later gaskets are symetrical, not a problem.
You know about the oil pump priming rod. Good idea!
Cheers,
Tom
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