I've done a few Timing belts and I've started making it part of the process to pull the oil pump and lock tight the screws, change the crank seal and Oil pump o-ring.

 

The last 2 I've done 3 of the screws were backed out over a 1/8".

 

I think once the threads have been cleaned and the screws put in with lock tight it should be a finial fix.

 

Has anyone seen the problem repeat?

This seems to be known issue with this engine (on this board anyway) as I've seen LOTS of warnings about checking them when doing the timing belt.

Hi Larry!

When I first replaced the timing belt on my Brighton, I checked the backing plate (100 K miles +) and I saw that it had already been done. At the second belt change the screws were as tight as before.

That's my experience. No more.

Coil is still sparking great by the way.

Best regards,

Gilles

I've done a few Timing belts and I've started making it part of the process to pull the oil pump and lock tight the screws, change the crank seal and Oil pump o-ring.

 

The last 2 I've done 3 of the screws were backed out over a 1/8".

 

I think once the threads have been cleaned and the screws put in with lock tight it should be a finial fix.

 

Has anyone seen the problem repeat?

Nope after cleaning and lock tight you should be good to go. I have done this on several and on car the motor blew 50k later after brother took out oil pan.

I salvaged the oil pump for parts & it was still tight.