Repairing the EP6 oil pump: how to restore oil pressure with your own hands

Engine EP6 - one of the most common motors of the concern PSA Peugeot Citroën, installed on the model Peugeot 207/308/408, Citroën C4 and others. The oil pump in this engine is a critical component on which the lubrication of all rubbing parts depends. If it malfunctions, the risk of the motor jamming increases significantly, and repairs cost a lot of money. In this article we will look at how to independently diagnose and fix problems with the oil pump. EP6without resorting to the services of a service station.

The main problem of oil pumps EP6 — wear of the gears and pressure relief valve, which leads to a drop in oil pressure. In some cases, it is not the pump itself that is to blame, but a clogged oil receiver screen or a faulty pressure sensor. We will look at all possible reasons, give step-by-step instructions for disassembly and repair, and also tell you how to avoid repeated breakdowns. If you notice on the dashboard oil pressure light on or hear extraneous noise from under the hood - this article is for you.

Symptoms of a faulty EP6 oil pump

The first and most obvious symptom is oil pressure warning light comes on on the dashboard. However, this does not always mean that the pump is to blame. The lamp may light up due to:

• 🔴 Low oil level (check with a dipstick for leaks).
• 🔴 Clogged oil filter (especially if the mileage after replacement exceeds 10,000 km).
• 🔴 Faulty pressure sensor (a common problem on EP6 after 150,000 km).
• 🔴 Pump gear wear or a broken pressure relief valve.

Other warning signs:

• 🔊 Metallic knock in the area of the oil pan (indicates gear wear).
• 🛢️ Increased oil consumption no visible leaks (may indicate low pressure and poor lubrication of the piston rings).
• 🚗 Power dips during acceleration (the engine stalls due to oil starvation).

⚠️ Attention: If the oil pressure light comes on idle speed and goes out when the speed increases - this is an almost one hundred percent sign of wear on the pump gears. In this case, the operation of the car prohibited until the problem is resolved.

For accurate diagnosis it is necessary measure actual oil pressure pressure gauge. Normal indicators for EP6:

• At idle speed: 0.8–1.2 bar.
• At 3000 rpm: 2.5–4 bar.

Repair tools and materials

For disassembling and repairing the oil pump EP6 you will need:

Tool/material	Purpose	Note
Set of heads and knobs	For unscrewing the pan and pump mounts	Recommended size: 10, 13, 17 mm
Torque wrench	To tighten bolts to the correct torque	Pan tightening torque: 10 Nm
Oil pump repair kit	Includes gears, gaskets, pressure relief valve	Original article: 0315.V0 (analogue: FEBI 28216)
Sealant Loctite 574	For sealing sump and pump cover	Do not use silicone sealants!
Gap gauge	Checking gear play	Allowable gap: up to 0.15 mm

Also prepare:

• 🧹 Carburetor Cleaner (for washing parts).
• 🛠️ Plastic scraper (to remove old sealant).
• 🔧 27 mm socket wrench (to unscrew the oil receiver).

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a repair kit, pay attention to gear markings. On EP6 two types of pumps were installed: with 24 and 26 teeth on the drive gear. You can't confuse them!

Step-by-step disassembly of the EP6 oil pump

Before starting work be sure to drain the oil and remove the oil pan. On EP6 The pan is secured with 18 bolts - unscrew them evenly so as not to bend the flange. After removing the pan you will see the oil pump, which is attached to the cylinder block 6 10mm socket head bolts.

Disassembly order:

1. Unscrew the pump mounting bolts and remove it from the block. Be careful - gears may remain inside!
2. Remove the pump cover by prying it off with a screwdriver (it is seated on the sealant).
3. Remove the drive and driven gears, as well as the pressure reducing valve with spring.
4. Clean all parts in solvent and inspect for wear.

Pay special attention to:

• 🔍 Condition of gear teeth - if they are scored or worn out, replacement is required.
• 🔍 Pressure reducing valve - it should move freely in the nest, without jamming.
• 🔍 Pump housing — cracks or deep scratches are unacceptable.

Critical moment: at EP6 Often it is not the pump itself that wears out, but oil pickup (the mesh becomes clogged with wear products). If the mesh is torn or deformed, it must be replaced with a new one (article: 0315.T8).

How to check the pressure relief valve?

Blow out the valve with compressed air - it should only allow air to flow in one direction. If it blows in both directions, the valve is faulty and must be replaced.

Diagnostics and replacement of worn parts

After disassembly it is necessary measure gaps between the gears and the pump housing. Valid values for EP6:

• 📏 Gap between gears: 0.05–0.15 mm.
• 📏 Gap between gears and cover: 0.02–0.07 mm.
• 📏 Drive gear shaft play: no more than 0.1 mm.

If the gaps exceed the norm, the gears need to be replaced. The repair kit usually includes:

• 🔄 Drive and driven gears.
• 🔄 Pressure reducing valve with spring.
• 🔄 O-rings and gaskets.

Pump assembly:

1. Install the new gears into the housing after lubricating them with engine oil.
2. Check the travel of the pressure reducing valve - it should return freely with a spring.
3. Apply a thin layer of sealant Loctite 574 onto the pump cover and tighten the bolts to torque. 10 Nm.

⚠️ Attention: When assembling, do not mix gear position — the driving one (with a smaller diameter) is installed on the drive side. If they are installed incorrectly, the pump will not create pressure!

Checking oil pressure after repair

After assembling and installing the pump be sure to check the oil pressure pressure gauge. Connect it instead of the standard sensor (located on the cylinder block next to the oil filter).

Normal indicators:

• 📊 At idle speed: 0.8–1.2 bar.
• 📊 At 2000 rpm: 1.8–2.5 bar.
• 📊 At 4000 rpm: 3–4.5 bar.

If the pressure is below normal:

• ❌ Check it out correct pump assembly (gears may be mixed up).
• ❌ Take a look oil pickup - it could become clogged during installation.
• ❌ Make sure that oil filter not defective (sometimes fake filters do not allow oil to pass through).

If the pressure is normal, but the lamp on the panel continues to light, the problem is pressure sensor (item: 0265.90). It can be temporarily disabled for testing, but drive without the sensor not recommended.

Common mistakes when repairing an EP6 oil pump

Many car owners allow critical errorswhich lead to repeated pump failure or engine damage. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. Using a low-quality repair kit. Cheap Chinese gears made of soft metal wear out within 10–20 thousand km. Buy parts only from trusted brands: FEBI, Gates, Mahle.
2. Incorrect bolt tightening. Overtightened pump cover bolts lead to housing deformation, and undertightened bolts lead to oil leaks. Always use a torque wrench!
3. Ignoring cleaning of the oil receiver. If you leave the old clogged mesh, the new pump will quickly fail due to oil starvation.
4. Installing the pump without checking the drive chain. On EP6 The timing chain is connected to the pump drive. If it is stretched, the pump will work unstably.

Another common mistake is replacing only gears without checking the pressure relief valve. The valve may become stuck due to metal shavings, causing a constant release of pressure. Always clean his nest and check his mobility!

⚠️ Attention: If after repair the pump emits whistling sound is a sign air leak through a gasket or a crack in the housing. Stop the engine immediately and repair the fault!

Prevention of breakdowns of the EP6 oil pump

To extend the life of your oil pump, follow these guidelines:

• 🔧 Change oil and filter every 10,000 km (for EP6 better to use oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission PSA B71 2312).
• 🔧 Flush the engine every 30,000 km special washing (for example, Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung).
• 🔧 Avoid engine overheating — high temperatures accelerate gear wear.
• 🔧 Control oil level once every 1000 km (per EP6 “oil-guzzler” is often found).

If you operate your vehicle in difficult conditions (frequent short trips, traffic jams, towing a trailer), reduce the oil change interval to 7,000 km. This will significantly reduce the risk of pump failure.

Also note fuel quality. On EP6 there is often a problem with diluting the oil with gasoline due to faulty injectors. If the oil smells like gasoline, fuel system diagnostics are required.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about repairing the EP6 oil pump

Is it possible to repair the EP6 oil pump without removing the engine?

Yes, engine removal is not required. It is enough to drain the oil, remove the pan and oil receiver, after which the pump will be available for disassembly. The main thing is to provide access to the bottom of the engine (it is better to work on a lift or pit).

How much does an EP6 oil pump repair kit cost?

The price depends on the manufacturer:

• Original (PSA): 8,000–12,000 rub.
• FEBI: 4,500–6,000 rub.
• Gates: 3,500–5,000 rub.

It is not recommended to buy cheap analogues (up to 2,000 rubles) - they quickly break down.

What oil is best to fill after repairing the pump?

For EP6 It is optimal to use synthetic oil with a viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 and admission PSA B71 2312. Suitable brands:

• Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W-30 (original for PSA).
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30.

After repairing the pump, do the first oil change after 5,000 km - this will help wash out wear debris.

What happens if you drive with a faulty oil pump?

The consequences depend on the degree of malfunction:

• 🔴 Oil pressure drop → accelerated wear of liners, camshafts, turbine (if any).
• 🔴 Pump gears jamming → broken drive chain, damage to the cylinder block.
• 🔴 Oil fasting → scuffing of cylinders, destruction of piston rings, engine overhaul.

In critical cases, the engine may jam right on the move, which will lead to an accident.

Is it possible to clean the EP6 oil pump without replacing parts?

Yes, if gear and valve wear is minimal. To do this:

1. Disassemble the pump and wash all parts in kerosene or carburetor cleaner.
2. Blow out all channels with compressed air.
3. Check the clearances - if they are normal, reassemble the pump with a new gasket.

However, this measure is temporary. For mileage over 150,000 km, a complete replacement of worn parts is recommended.