I request wisdom (Lost Oil pressure)

[DarrenA]

Well she really don’t have oil pressure. Pulled a valve cover off and turned the engine with ignition off. No oil pumping to the top end. Big oof. I’ve read that the oil pump is basically impossible to replace without pulling the engine, that true? Regardless, the fact that this thing spins freely still is so bizarre. I suppose oil is optional on these engines lmao.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sorry to hear it...

Time for a V8 swap?

 

[DarrenA]

Carbed 302 would be cool. I’ve read the tech article a couple of times, I’d probably just swap the whole drive train of an 70s-80s 4x4 f150 into the thing to keep it simple and inexpensive as possible. The prices on some of those c4 to bw 1350 adapters is ridiculous. Would definitely be the most complicated thing I’ve attempted as a shade tree mechanic. Kindve bummed but the parts for the 2.8s are getting harder and harder to find anyway which will probably never be the case for American v8s like the 302.

 

[Uncle Gump]

All true...

If you 2.8 has a non feedback carb and/or duraspark conversation... people are always looking for those.

 

[DarrenA]

Unfortunately it doesn’t, actually restored the stupid emissions system so it would run right again but it is what is is

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just yank the engine and troubleshoot what you have.

If it's toast regroup from there, if you find a smoking gun fix it and go.

Mine was extremely tough with low/no oil, with enough blowby to push the dipstick out it still carried 30psi cold the day I pulled it.

 

[DarrenA]

Yeah, I'm not buying any 302s until I've at least looked in the engine. If it's something simple like the pump stopped working/pickup line fell off with minimal component wear, then I'll fix it. But if it is cooked, I'll probably go with a v8. Originally, I thought I'd like to rebuild but it hasn't been the most reliable vehicle since I've owned it and I don't really want to invest money into rebuilding that 70 hp (if I'm lucky) beast. Plus, I've already lost OD/decent atf leak in that a4ld since buying it so it's already looking grim for the current drivetrain. Don't own a cherry picker or stand though so that'll be step one.

 

[Brain75]

My '48 flathead ran around for months with almost no oil pressure, turns out all the mains were wollered out to egg shape. Amazing what the older engines can do. (it registered a true 0 psi on several mechanical gauges, but would not trip the 3 psi idiot light I added).... I would actually see if I could clean it out with snake oils (seafoam etc) and see if you can get it clean enough to flow fully - be very thurough. If you can get it all cleaned up with only pulling the valve covers and chemicals might get a bunch more miles out of it.

I'm going to fully bet 100% that the marvel you added knocked loose sludge and it has plugged some of the galleys, just got to blow those sludge plugs out and get rid of all the sludge.

 

[DarrenA]

Definitely crazy what conditions old engines can operate under and still work. I was always under the impression that if it starves for oil, you’re cooked after a couple of miles. Anyways, Solid idea, maybe do that alongside jacking up the engine enough, disconnect bell housing bolts to be able to access the bottom end and get a look at that pump and properly clean out the pan. If it gets me some sort of oil pressure so I can still drive to work while I gather parts/cherry picker for the eventual swap. My eco boost mustang I’ve been using doesn’t make a very good work truck.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sure they do...

 

[Uncle Gump]

Oh wait...

You said wisdom

Not wise ass...

 

[DarrenA]

It’s equally amazing how they can refuse to function under seemingly perfect parameters don’t get me wrong lmao

 

[DarrenA]

Oil actually doesn’t even look bad, no death glitter or nothing. Suppose that’s a good sign.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I once watched a car run without oil for a charity fundraiser. People would buy ticket with their guess how long it would last. It went over 20 minutes! I guessed 3:15...

 

[DarrenA]

Who needs sports betting when you got oilless shitboxes I suppose lmao