How to Replace an Oil Pump in a Mercury Cougar

Losing lubrication can destroy an engine. The oil pump makes sure this doesn't happen by cycling oil to lubricate the engine. In most cases, the oil pump lasts as long as your Mercury Cougar. However, there may be times when the pump must be replaced.

Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Ramps or lifts
Wrench
New oil pump

Step 1
Drive your Mercury Cougar up onto ramps or lifts so you have enough room to pull out the oil pump. You could also use a jack, but brace the front wheels and set the emergency break.
Step 2
Disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the oil pump inlet tube and screen assembly. Remove the oil pump attaching bolts, the oil pump gasket and the intermediate shaft.
Step 3
Fill your new oil pump by filling the outlet and inlet ports with clean engine oil. Rotate the shaft of the pump to distribute the oil and prime the new oil pump.
Step 4
Line the intermediate drive shaft into the distributor socket and place a new gasket on the pump body. Insert the drive shaft into the pump body.
Step 5
Insert the intermediate shaft and pump as an assembly. Install the oil pump and tighten the screws to 12 to 15 ft-lb for a 2.3L engine and 22 to 32 ft-lb for a 5.0L engine.
Step 6
Reconnect the negative battery cable and start your Mercury Cougar engine. Look for leaks around your working area.