Oil Pressure Woes/Misc Questions

[CameoInvicta]

I've been having a problem with my 62 Invicta as of late. When turning, really only when making a left, the oil pressure light in the dash comes on and the car about wants to die (sometimes it actually does). It hasn't ever done this in the past and just started occuring earlier this year. The motor was professionally rebuilt about 7 years/13,000 miles ago.

Firstly, I'm wondering what might cause this and how should I go about fixing the it? I'm assuming it isn't the location of the pickup as it is a new problem. Would switching to a heavier weight oil help? Currently I'm running good ole' 10W-30.

Secondly, I think the water pumps shot. After running for a few minutes a terrible squeeling coming from the front of the motor starts. The fan/pulley assembley seems to be somewhat loose too. I tried tighting the bolts on the front of the fan but they are already tight. Where can I pickup a water pump? Also, how hard would it be for myself to swap pumps out? I have a fair amount of knowledge and tons of tools, just havent actually had an excuse to start unbolting stuff from a motor.

Thanks for all the help guys :beer !

[Smartin]

It sounds like the reason your oil light is coming on, is because your engine is dying on left turns. Your engine is starving for fuel when you turn in that direction. Carb problem?

[justalark]

I agree, sounds like a carb rebuild is in order and maybe a water pump replacement.....O'reillys, Auto Zone etc.

[CameoInvicta]

Thanks for the help guys! I hadn't even considered a fuel related problem, that does make sense however. The carb has been leaking for almost as long as I've had the car. It was rebuilt but never stoped leaking. I've always meant to get a new one but the motor always ran great. Even if it isn't the carb it's about time I replace it.

I'm thinking an Edelbrock, probably just a Performer Series 750cfm? Or should I go with the 800cfm? From all the calculators and charts I've seen 750cfm should be plenty for a 401ci.

Also, just curious, while the carb is off would it be worth any performance gain to throw on a phenolic carb spacer? I need to get a new air cleaner and if I get a drop unit I can fit a 1/2-1in spacer in there.

Last question, I promise! As far as the motor goes, I've recently installed a tach. Getting on the car good, I've never gotten above about 3,000-3,500 rpms. Even if I rev the car to about 3,000 rpms (yes, I realize your not suppose to rev a Nailhead with no load) the car sounds like it is red lining, so to speak. Basically, I'm wondering if this would be a normal rpm for a Nailhead to be able to get to is? Or if my tach is reading incorrectly.

Thanks for all the help guys, without this board I'd have many unanswered questions! Cheersb:beers2: !

[CameoInvicta]

Bump for my couple of questions :beer .

[Smartin]

If I were you, I would just have the stock carb rebuilt.

[64BuickCat]

I agree with Adam on the carb. A well equipped shop can straighten warped parts, seal the leak and you'll essentially have a new carb.