should i replace my oil pump when i have a failing lifter?

[KITTYKILLER]

i have a 2001 chevy crewcab with 200,000 miles on a v6 and i had a lifter clacking a coupla times about a month ago but it went away, i checked the oil and it was full and i recently changed it and there was no metal debris in it and tho oil pressure guage is working fine,but now i want to replace the lifters ,but should i replace the oil pump when i replace the lifters or is it overkill or should i just pop the valve cover off and check the valvetrain to see if the problem is up on the top where the rockerarms are ,thanks for your feedbacks...bill h.

[Melonhead]

Bill, if you have good pressure you can leave it. It is a cheap to replace a oil pump vs an engine. If you have the clearance to get to the pump without major hurdles, replace it. If you have to remove the engine to get the pan off, leave it.

[jameskirk57]

x2 I agree with melon

[oncearacer52]

Yep, me too.

[harleyboy]

have to agree man.

[Ryoung68]

If the oil pressure is still good, and all you are replacing are the lifters, leave the pump be.

[KITTYKILLER]

can someone please tell me what direction the oiling hole for roller lifters should be on a 2001 vortec v6 4.3

[chris1972]

i would just drive it ..i been driving my astro with a loud lifter for year or two...