Several Honda engines use the oil filter cover with the small o'ring that will lower oil pressure if the o'ring is missing/damaged .. The Rubicon uses a different type , it uses a larger oil filter element that is on the bottom of the engine under the front engine skid plate ..

 

can i check the chain without splitting the case or removing the engine? I understand that i have to split the case to replace the pump but i have not found any info on the chain.

 

The oil pump chain is under the clutch cover .. You have to remove the oil tank , clutch cover & centrifugal clutch ..

 

Did you get a zero pressure reading then?

 

i just pulled the plug and started it for about 15 seconds. nothing came out so i am going to dig into it.

 

what about the oil light, shouldnt that stay lit up? I own a 01' and run it hard, but also maintain it well. mine has bee 100% trouble free.

 

I believe the Rubicon has only an oil temp sensor (and a coolant temp sensor) but no pressure sensor or warning.

 

honda mechanic was right!!!! i pulled the plastic and tried to remove the front cover. i got it off about 1" and i could see the oil chain was off.

now, what would keep the front cover from coing off? all bolts are out and it is off about 1". i "think" the shift shaft is holding it on but i hate to force it and break something.


the plan for now is to put the chain back on and put some miles on it to see if any other damage was done. after 50 miles or so i will replace the chain..

thanks
chris

 

well the cover is off but the clutch is another story. i guess you need a special tool to get that off. i cant get the chain on the sprocket with the clutch in place [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

Yeah, there's a special puller required. If you could pop by a Honda dealer, they may be willing to pull the clutch for no charge.

I'd replace the chain while you are in there, rather than just putting it back on. You may have no damage from the time it ran without oil, but I wouldn't want to try it again (with the old chain).