3.8 Buick in a 1981 Catalina

[455Grandville]

Im helping a friend whos financially challenged, he has a 3.8 Buford in a 81 Catalina. The engine runs really well, but after about 15 minutes when the oil warms up it starts with a awful lifter clicking. I know all about the early 3.8 Buick oiling issues.
I did find out you could buy a new timing cover for about $250.00 which is a bit high. Has anyone had any dealings with the oil pump (plate) repair kit for about $50 ?

[Pontiacdaver]

Hi Brad,
I work for a national auto parts wholsaler/shipper in Indiana. We stock the timing cover, thrust plate (repair) kit, and both std. and hi volume oil pump rebuild kits. The repair kit works well enough if the housing isn't worn too.
The prices are as follows:
Timing cover # TC-16 $99.00
Thrust plate kit # OPK-245 $12.55
Std. oil pump kit # K-20I $13.19
H/V oil pump kit # K-20I-HV $36.18
Shipping to MO would be around $8-10.
If interested, call me at National Automotive Lines, 1-800-428-4300 8-5 est M-F.

Dave

[455Grandville]

Thanks, the plate repair kit I found was around $50. Shame his Catalina didnt have a 301, they didnt have the 3.8 Buick oiling issues. Plus my old 80 Bonnie (301 4 bbl) was a rocket next to this.
Ill pass him the #. cheap $$ to keep a car running another 1-2yrs.