How do I know if my Oil Pump is broken?

[Odoyle]

When I start the motor and listen closely theres seems to be a lot of noise coming from inside the oil pan. Oil pressure seems ok, the dial is right behind middle, but there are a couple dents on the oil pan so I'm curious if those dents would have led to a damaged pump. Any thoughts? Will post pictures soon.

[narfire]

The oil pump pick up sits fairly close to the bottom of the pan. If you have an oil pan that is pushed in, the pump pick up could be broken. If you are still getting oil pressure, I suspect it could be broken off below the top of the oil in the pan.
If you go around a corner at speed, the oil will slosh to one side somewhat and could expose the now broken pick up and the pressure will show 0 and red light should come on. A local fellow here had the same issue several years ago.
If it is broken, then you will have to raise the engine to get the pan off and then the oil pump pick up. Not too difficult but a warm dry floor is nice.
Chris

[mpollock]

Speaking of a warm, dry floor, my concrete garage floor is anything but warm. I picked up a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 inch foam at the local home store, cut it to fit under the car, and laid it on the floor. It's still not extremely comfortable laying under the car, but the foam provides an insulating barrier and a somewhat softer surface than the concrete and makes it at least bearable.

[vandor]

I use old sleeping bags to lay on.
If the oil pressure is good then it should not be a problem. If the pan is dented the pan may be vibrating against the oil pump pickup. As he said above, if the oil pressure goes down during acceleration or cornering, then the pickup may be broken off the pump.

[Odoyle]

I'm planning on removing the oil pan to inspect the oil pump, but do I have to fully disconnect and lift the engine to replace the pump or could I just jack the front end of the car up?

[RRoller123]

The crossmember blocks removal of the pan, so the engine has to be jacked up.

[4uall]

This might help

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/2Loilpan.htm

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=26332

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/oi ... 20Pump.htm

[Odoyle]

Thanks for the info! Excellent resource http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/2Loilpan.htm