After resealing my oil pump that was leaking. I found that I was using the wrong gasket. The hole close to the top that is on the S&S pump is supposedly updated. It says the block needs to be drilled using a oil pump drilling jig. My question is do I really need to do that. The extra hole appears to be leading to the pressure regulator. I have started this engine and had 40 lbs of pressure.

 

8 to 10 different mods on all the years across the iron to alloy pumps

call S&S but have what year and pictures of the block so the guy knows what you actually have

 

I had to drill my 74 shovel useing that jig when i put a S&S pump on mine. I have the Jig if you need it..

If you do drill put a big blob of greese on the inside of the block where the drill bit will go thru to keep the chips contained.

 

So I got the jig from a friend. Question is, I do drill through the block to the inside of case ?

 

Go to S&S web site they have very good how to tech tip section with detailed instruction and videos , go a long way to helping you get it right .

 

And be very careful that you do not allow the aluminum block to "grab" the bit and cause it to break.

 

HOLY CRAP! I know this is a HUGE grave dig but this is the EXACT problem I am facing right now with a 1980 FLH my old man gave me.
My old man must've changed out the oil pump, I had no clue. He never drilled the pressure release hole and I can't recall the original gasket because I had to scrape most of it off.
I don't remember it leaking before I stripped it down, but hard to say because the whole lower end of the motor was sludged, perhaps he used the proper gasket and sealed that hole off completely.

Can I run this style pump without drilling my case?

I have been doing hours and hours of research, comparing pictures, gaskets, list goes on and finally Google took me across this thread and its nailed one of my headaches with this aftermarket (non S&S btw) oil pump.

 

The port to be drilled was only for early cone shovels 70 to 72 if I remember correctly. Shouldn't need it on the 1980

Do some reading this inst. sheet cover the older pumps too the porting the same.

https://www.sscycle.com/docs/default...il-pump-bt.pdf

 

70-80 instructed by #3



My pump has an additional hole up by the relief valve that has no corresponding hole on the 1980 crank case. This pressure relief valve alteration came about after 1980, starting with the 81's.
Just curious of the consequences of not doing this step.

 

they have changed the mod a few times

before you get your hammer drill wound up - perhaps you could post up what year the engine is - its in front of the cam cover numbers and letters a picture that can be read would be great