Good points. I got the o rings from McMaster Carr. I used the dimensions from the parts fiche. I finally broke down and bought an electric impact driver to get those damn screws out (best tool purchase I've ever made! If only I had bought it three years ago!!!!).
I piggybacked on an order by jumpjg to McMaster as well. jumpjg indicated they fit his pump OK, but i don't know for sure if he buttoned it up or just laid them in the groove. They are the Viton variety, but not being the actual person making the order i don't know if there were other styles besides the Viton which may introduce a variable. jumpjg indicated they were 46 X 2, does that sound right?
I haven't tried mine yet as i was able to score a virtually new pump on eBay and I won't disturb a thing on it. I cracked it open to confirm it was barely used and buttoned it back up. I set the other pumps aside as i don't need to mess with them now.
I'll try the McMaster Orings in a used pump and see if it binds in the cover, but it may be tonight or a few days.
Still, i have to vote for the free wheeling of the pump, and something is wrong with yours as it stands. I may be wrong.
There has been a dearth of participation on oil pump threads from the engine builders on the forum. This leads me to think using a used oil pump is not the issue we (I) have made it out to be.
Or else they have secrets they are not sharing.