SonexBuilders.net

For several reasons I replaced the bottom mount oil cooler on my Waiex/Aerovee with a top mount cooler. I achieved what I was after, raised my oil temperature and lowered the airflow into the bottom of the cowl thus improving airflow over the heads.

I also relaced the ACV-P01-55 Maxi Oil Pump (for use with remote oil cooler) with ACV-P01-56 Oil Pump (straight pump - for use with Top Mount oil cooler) which for some reason came with a ACV-P01-79 Oil Pump Cover Plate and not the normal cover plate supplied with the straight pump.

The new pump kit also came with a thin paper casket to go under the cover plate. I have not been able to get an oil tight seal under the cover plate with the paper casket in place even when used with the recommended sealant.

What I am considering is removing the paper gasket and using a more aggressive sealant. I would of course measure the clearances between gears and plate before taking this action. The Aerovee assembly manual states that the clearance can be between .000” and .004” the smaller the better, to maintain the best possible oil pressure.

Has anybody had a similar issue and can anyone recommend a suitable sealant.

It's been a while, but I resurfaced the oil pump cover by rubbing it against sand paper on a flat surface. By looking at the wear marks while sanding, I was able to tell it wasn't totally flat and kept sanding until it was. I used the Aviation Form-A-Gasket as recommended and haven't noticed any leak from the pump since.

We don't use a gasket and used the procedure for measuring clearance to the gears as outlined in the "how to rebuild your vw" book as we sanded both the lid and the pump body to minimize the clearance to the gears. I believe we used Hylomar as a sealant. No leaks. (Not at that spot...)

I cut a o ring groove in the pump bodys. If you want to send me your pump body I can cut it for you (free). Just let me know and I'll post a shipping address.

Ed Grasso

Ed, I think the biggest leak on my AeroVee is coming from the oil pump, although any oil leak is difficult to determine the origin. I have the pump for the oil cooler located under the engine. Do you know if there is room for an Oring on this pump?

Darick, the O ring goes in the pump body and seals between the body and pump cover. I have two pumps one is for the turbo return so I put a O ring in both pump bodys. It takes the place of the thin paper gasket or sealer. It also allows the gear clearance to be set without worrying about the thickness of the gasket.

Ed Grasso

I'll take that as a yes.