Oil Pump

Replace the oil pump on a 2005 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10 by draining the oil, removing the oil pan and pump, installing a new pump with pickup tube, and refilling with engine oil.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pump pickup tube O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (Mopar or equivalent) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 0W-40 full synthetic engine oil — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated (minimum 2 hours).
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starter engagement.
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points.
5. Remove engine undertray if equipped.
6. Place oil drain pan under engine oil drain plug.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine oil
   Remove the oil drain plug from the oil pan using the appropriate socket. Allow all engine oil to drain completely into the drain pan (verify exact capacity per factory specification; approximately 8 quarts). Once drained, install the drain plug with a new crush washer and torque to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the oil pan threads.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove oil filter
   Using an oil filter wrench, remove the engine oil filter. Expect residual oil to drain from the filter housing. Allow to drain completely and dispose of the used filter properly.
3. 3

   Remove oil pan bolts
   Locate and remove all oil pan mounting bolts. The V10 oil pan uses multiple bolts around the perimeter. Work in a cross-pattern from the outside toward the center to prevent warping the pan flange. Keep bolts organized as some may be different lengths depending on location.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pan Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove oil pan
   Carefully lower the oil pan away from the engine block. The gasket may cause the pan to stick; use a plastic gasket scraper to gently separate if needed. Do not pry with metal tools as this can damage the sealing surfaces. Be prepared for additional residual oil to drain when the pan is removed.
5. 5

   Remove oil pump pickup tube
   Locate the oil pump pickup tube mounting bolt that secures the tube to the pump. Remove this bolt and carefully pull the pickup tube from the oil pump housing. The tube has an O-ring seal that may require gentle rotation to break free. Inspect the pickup screen for debris or damage.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove oil pump mounting bolts
   The oil pump is mounted to the front of the engine block with 4 bolts. Remove these bolts completely. Note the bolt locations and lengths for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove oil pump assembly
   Carefully pull the oil pump assembly straight away from the engine block. The pump inner rotor is driven directly off the crankshaft snout, so it may require gentle wiggling while pulling. Once clear, inspect the crankshaft snout and pump drive area for wear, scoring, or damage. Also inspect the pump rotors for excessive wear, scoring, or chipping.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all gasket material and RTV sealant from the oil pan rail on the engine block and from the oil pan mating surface. Use a plastic scraper to avoid gouging the aluminum surfaces. Clean the oil pump mounting surface on the engine block. Wipe all surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth and ensure they are completely dry and free of oil residue before installation.
9. 9

   Install new oil pump
   Align the new oil pump rotor with the crankshaft snout. Carefully slide the pump onto the engine block, ensuring the rotor engages properly with the crankshaft. The pump should seat flush against the block. Install the mounting bolts (verify exact count per factory service manual) and torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install oil pump pickup tube
    Install a new O-ring on the pickup tube inlet. Lubricate the O-ring lightly with clean engine oil. Insert the pickup tube into the oil pump housing, ensuring it seats completely. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification. Verify the pickup screen is positioned properly and does not contact the oil pan when installed.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install oil pan gasket
    Position the new oil pan gasket on the engine block. Some gaskets are pre-coated with adhesive; others may require a thin bead of RTV silicone at the front and rear main seal corners where the gasket meets the block. Follow the gasket manufacturer's instructions. Ensure all bolt holes align properly.
12. 12

    Install oil pan
    Carefully raise the oil pan into position, aligning it with the gasket and bolt holes. Start all oil pan bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, torque them to specification in a cross-pattern, working from the center outward to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pan Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install new oil filter
    Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. Thread the filter onto the filter housing by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn. Do not use an oil filter wrench for installation.
14. 14

    Refill engine oil
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Using a funnel, add approximately 8 quarts of 5W-40 or 0W-40 full synthetic engine oil (verify exact capacity and viscosity per factory specification) through the oil filler cap, adding incrementally and checking the dipstick. Install the oil filler cap securely.
15. 15

    Prime oil system and check for leaks
    Start the engine and allow it to idle. Monitor the oil pressure gauge; pressure should register within 10-15 seconds. If the low oil pressure warning light remains illuminated beyond 15 seconds, shut off the engine immediately and investigate. Once oil pressure is confirmed, allow the engine to idle for 2-3 minutes while inspecting underneath for leaks at the oil pan gasket, drain plug, and oil filter. Shut off the engine, wait 5 minutes for oil to settle, then check the oil level on the dipstick and add oil if needed to bring to the full mark.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine undertray if equipped.
2. Torque all fasteners to specified values using a calibrated torque wrench.
3. Use new gaskets and seals; do not reuse old gaskets.
4. Apply RTV sealant sparingly only where specified to avoid blocking oil passages.

Verification

• Check engine oil level on dipstick after engine has been running and oil has settled; level should be at full mark.
• Verify oil pressure gauge shows normal operating pressure after startup (typically 25-60 psi depending on engine speed and temperature).
• Inspect underneath vehicle for oil leaks at the oil pan, drain plug, and oil filter after test drive.
• Monitor oil pressure for the first 50-100 miles to ensure consistent readings.
• Check for unusual engine noises that could indicate oil starvation or pump issues.

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