engine
Oil Pump
for 2000 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
7.8 h
Tools
12
Steps
17
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Complete removal and replacement of the oil pump on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, requiring oil pan removal and timing cover access.
Warnings
⚠️Engine oil will be extremely hot if engine has been recently operated. Allow engine to cool for at least 2 hours before beginning work.
⚠The 1992 Viper V10 engine requires support from above during oil pan removal. Engine mount removal without proper support can cause engine to shift and damage components or cause injury.
⚠The harmonic balancer is press-fit and requires a proper puller tool. Using pry bars or hammers can damage the crankshaft.
ℹ️This procedure requires removal of the timing cover. Mark timing chain and sprocket positions before disassembly to maintain timing alignment.
ℹ️All gasket surfaces must be completely clean and free of old gasket material and RTV. Any debris left on mating surfaces will cause oil leaks.
Tools required
Socket set (metric and SAE)Essential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain pan (12+ quart capacity)Essential
Gasket scraper (plastic preferred)Essential
Engine hoist or support fixtureEssential
Harmonic balancer pullerEssential
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Parts
- Oil pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent Mopar part
- Oil pump gasket/O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Copper or aluminum washer
- Engine oil 10W-30 conventional × 11 — API certified
- Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent
- RTV silicone sealant × 1 — Mopar or equivalent high-temp RTV
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- engine_oil — 11 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable
- Remove engine cover/top trim panel to access engine valley
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
- Raise vehicle on jack stands at all four corners to provide clearance for oil pan removal
- Place oil drain pan under engine oil drain plug
Procedure
- 1Drain engine oil and remove oil filterRemove the oil drain plug from the oil pan and allow all engine oil to drain completely into the drain pan. This will take several minutes for the full oil capacity to drain (verify exact capacity against factory service manual before refilling). Once drained, remove the oil filter from the engine block. Install a new crush washer on the drain plug and reinstall the drain plug to prevent debris entry during the repair.Torque specOil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
- 2Remove serpentine belt and accessoriesRemove the serpentine drive belt by releasing the tensioner. Remove the alternator mounting bolts and position alternator aside with wiring still attached. Remove the power steering pump mounting bolts and position pump aside without disconnecting hydraulic lines. Remove the A/C compressor mounting bolts and secure compressor out of the way without disconnecting refrigerant lines.
- 3Remove harmonic balancerRemove the center bolt from the harmonic balancer (crankshaft pulley). Use a harmonic balancer puller to remove the balancer from the crankshaft snout. Do not use a jaw-type puller that grips the outer ring, as this can separate the damper. The puller must press against the crankshaft center bolt boss. Once removed, inspect the balancer for signs of separation or rubber deterioration.⚠The harmonic balancer bolt is torqued to very high specification. Use a breaker bar and have an assistant hold the engine from rotating, or use a strap wrench on the balancer.
- 4Support engine and remove motor mountsInstall an engine support fixture or attach an engine hoist to support the engine weight from above using the factory lift points. Remove the front engine mount through-bolts on both sides. Raise the engine approximately 2-3 inches to provide clearance for oil pan removal. Ensure all hoses, wiring, and lines have sufficient slack before lifting.
- 5Remove timing coverRemove all timing cover bolts. The 1992 Viper V10 timing cover has multiple bolt sizes; the 8mm bolts require specific torque sequence on reinstallation. Carefully pry the timing cover away from the engine block using plastic pry tools at the designated pry points. Do not pry against gasket surfaces. Once loose, remove the timing cover and gasket. Mark the timing chain position relative to the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets using paint or a marker before proceeding.ℹ️Take photographs of the timing chain orientation before removal. The timing marks must be realigned exactly during reassembly.Torque specTiming Cover Bolts - 8mm25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 6Remove oil panRemove all oil pan mounting bolts working from the outside edges toward the center. The oil pan bolts are located around the perimeter of the pan. Carefully lower the oil pan away from the engine block. You may need to rotate or angle the pan slightly to clear the crankshaft and oil pump pickup. Inspect the oil pan interior for debris or metal shavings which could indicate internal engine damage.Torque specOil Pan Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 7Remove oil pump pickup tubeLocate the oil pump pickup tube mounting bolts that secure the pickup tube to the oil pump body and the support bracket. Remove these bolts and carefully remove the pickup tube assembly. Inspect the pickup screen for debris, sludge, or damage. A clogged pickup screen indicates poor oil maintenance and the screen should be thoroughly cleaned or replaced.Torque specOil Pump Pickup Tube28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
- 8Remove oil pump assemblyRemove the oil pump mounting bolts that secure the pump to the engine block. The oil pump is driven by the crankshaft and will slide off the crankshaft snout. Carefully pull the oil pump assembly straight out from the engine block, ensuring the inner rotor disengages from the crankshaft drive. Inspect the oil pump mounting surface on the block for damage or scoring.ℹ️Note the orientation of the oil pump relative to the crankshaft. The pump must be installed in the same rotational position.Torque specOil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 9Clean all gasket surfacesThoroughly clean all gasket mating surfaces including the oil pump mounting face on the engine block, the oil pan rail on the block, and the timing cover mating surface. Use a plastic gasket scraper to remove all old gasket material and RTV sealant. Follow with RTV solvent and clean rags. Use a wire brush on non-machined surfaces only. Ensure no debris falls into the engine crankcase. Final wipe all surfaces with brake cleaner or similar solvent and allow to dry completely.⚠Do not use metal scrapers on machined aluminum surfaces as this will cause gouging and result in oil leaks. Plastic scrapers and chemical sealant removers are required.
- 10Install new oil pumpInstall a new gasket or O-ring on the new oil pump according to the pump manufacturer's instructions. Align the oil pump inner rotor with the crankshaft drive flats and carefully slide the pump onto the crankshaft. Ensure the pump seats fully against the engine block mounting surface. Install the oil pump mounting bolts and tighten to specification in a cross pattern.Torque specOil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 11Install oil pump pickup tubeInstall a new O-ring or gasket on the oil pump pickup tube where it mates to the oil pump body. Position the pickup tube into the oil pump and install the mounting bolts. Ensure the support bracket is properly aligned and install the bracket bolt. Torque all bolts to specification. Verify the pickup tube screen is positioned correctly in the oil pan sump area with adequate clearance from the pan bottom.Torque specOil Pump Pickup Tube28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
- 12Install oil pan with new gasketInstall a new oil pan gasket on the engine block. Some applications require RTV sealant at the corners where the timing cover meets the block; follow gasket manufacturer instructions. Position the oil pan up to the engine block, taking care to align it properly without disturbing the gasket. Install all oil pan bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a cross pattern from center outward to specification.Torque specOil Pan Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 13Install timing cover with new gasketInstall a new timing cover gasket on the engine block. Apply a small bead of RTV sealant at the points where the oil pan meets the engine block as specified in service manual. Position the timing cover onto the engine, aligning the cover over the crankshaft snout. Install all timing cover bolts and tighten the 8mm bolts in the specified sequence to proper torque specification.ℹ️Timing cover bolts must be tightened in the correct sequence to prevent cover warping and oil leaks. Refer to service manual for the specific tightening sequence for the 1992 Viper V10.Torque specTiming Cover Bolts - 8mm25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 14Lower engine and reinstall motor mountsCarefully lower the engine back down onto the motor mount brackets using the engine hoist or support fixture. Align the engine mounts with their mounting points and install the through-bolts. Torque the mount bolts to specification. Remove the engine support equipment.Torque specSensor Mounting Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 15Install harmonic balancerClean the crankshaft snout and the inside bore of the harmonic balancer with brake cleaner. Ensure the balancer keyway aligns with the crankshaft key. Slide the harmonic balancer onto the crankshaft by hand as far as it will go. Install the center bolt and torque to specification. Do not drive the balancer on with a hammer.
- 16Reinstall accessories and serpentine beltReinstall the A/C compressor and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reinstall the power steering pump and torque mounting bolts. Reinstall the alternator and torque mounting bolts. Install the serpentine drive belt following the correct routing path and using the tensioner to provide proper belt tension.Torque specSensor Mounting Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 17Fill with engine oil and install new filterInstall a new oil filter on the engine block. Pre-fill the oil filter with fresh engine oil and lubricate the filter gasket with oil before installation. Hand-tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then turn an additional 3/4 turn. Fill the engine with the factory-specified oil quantity of 10W-30 oil through the oil filler cap (verify exact capacity against service manual before filling). Do not overfill.
Reassembly
- Reconnect negative battery cable
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Start engine and check oil pressure immediately - pressure should register within 10-15 seconds
- Allow engine to idle and inspect all gasket areas for oil leaks
- Check oil level after engine reaches operating temperature and top off if necessary
- Reinstall engine cover and trim panels
Verification
- Verify oil pressure gauge shows normal pressure (typically 25-65 psi depending on RPM and temperature)
- Check for oil leaks at oil pan, timing cover, and oil pump mounting surfaces with engine running
- Monitor oil pressure for first 100 miles of operation to ensure pump is functioning correctly
- Verify no unusual engine noises indicating oil starvation or pump failure