Lotsa things to try -
I would first check to see whether you are pumping oil or not. Loosen the
connection at the block for the gauge. Remove the spark plugs, Crank the
engine. Oil? Then it is probably your gauge. Even a minimal amount of
pressure should register. No Oil? Then first guess is that the oil pump has
lost its prime. Pour some oil down the large port on the side of the block,
where lines/pipes attach bring oil to the filter. Crank the engine over.
Remove the plugs! Don't try to start it! You should get oil gushing out of
the above mentioned port. If you get a minimal amount of oil, check the Oil
Pressure relief valve on the other side of the block. If it is stuck open,
then there is your problem. If still no oil, then it is time to check the
oil pump. This means pulling the oil pan, not much fun! While you're there,
see what nasties may be lurking in the bottom of your pan. That can indicate
bearing problems amoung other things. See if the screen covering the intake
is clogged, if not, remove the pump. Check to see that the gasket between
the pump and block is intact. That won't stop oil flow, but will greatly
reduce pressure. Check the pump on you workbench. See if there is oil in it.
If you pour a little oil in it now, you can turn it by hand to see if it
works. At this time, look at you workshop manual to check tolerances. If it
is functioning, but worn, now is the time to replace it. (While you have the
pan off, make sure that all of the oil gallery plugs are in their proper
postions in the bottom of the block. If there was pressure before, this
should not be an issue, but I've seen machine shops neglect to put these
plugs back in after a rebuild.)
So, if the pump and drive gear are cleaned, seated, sealed, and primed
properly, the oil gallery plugs in the right place, you will get oil to
outlet on the side of the block and to the oil pressure relief valve. If the
oil pressure relief valve is seated, clean and functioning properly, you will
get oil and pressure to the filter and gauge. Even if the bearings are badly
worn, or not even there, you will get oil to the filter outlet. Oil flows
from the filter to the bearings. If you are getting good flow though the
filter, but zero pressure, then I'd go back and see just how much metal was
laying in the bottom of your pan.
Oil pressure is determined by a few basic things,
Presence of oil, and its viscosity
Oil Pump Conditon/function
Oil Pressure Relief Valve Conditon/function
Oil Filter Condition - This to a minor extent - bypasses and valves address
this
Bearing Condition
Gauge Condition
A lot of words here but-
Is there oil?
Is it being pumped?
Is it monitored/gauged correctly
Is relief valve OK
You should have some oil pressure. Bearing condition affects it, if you have
it to begin with.
I apologize for the long response, but the is a subject near and dear to my
heart!
George Merryweather
merryweather@connectware.com
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