Oil pressure went to zero while driving

If you don’t have a junk distributor you can make one like I did. Used a 1/2” quarter inch drive socket iirc. Drill a hole through the side and put a roll pin through it. 1/4” drive fits in 1/2” drill. I attached a picture, I did tack weld the socket to the extension after photo was taken.

 

Chris, I just gave you a call I got your number from your craigslist ad easier to talk on the phone then type on a computer. I left my contact number.

 

Need a half inch drill for the torque 3/8 won't work.

 

If you did not hear any ticking from the lifters (those get oil first) and you shut it down right away, your probably ok.

 

For priming,I use a Chevy distributor shaft,its longer the ours and use it with a Buick distributor.That will be a good priming tool.Bruno.

 

I hope so going to start going through everything step by step

 

Thank You , may give you a call after Monday when I start taking a look for the problem. Appreciate your help

 

Had that happen to me years ago, one of the staked in plugs on the passenger side popped out.
First thing I'd do is remove distributor, and run the pump with a drill, if one of the plugs popped out you'll be able to hear the oil shooting out, I think you may be able to see it too thru the distributor hole.

 

Started the troubleshooting today , priming the oil produced about 60 plus pounds of oil pressure. New gauge directly to front of block and also my original under dash gauge with copper line tested out fine as well . Removed the adjusting nut and spring for the oil pump by-pass , the sleeve was stuck inside and difficult to remove. We then decided to run the priming drill again and the sleeve came out. Drained the oil and removed the oil filter and did not find any metal particles in the oil , I have not cut open the oil filter yet to check. Also was able to speak to Mike Phillips and he really took his time trying to help me track down the issue. My plan is to really clean the sleeve well , make sure it is completely smooth and reinstall. New oil and filter and prime again. I am thinking if I prime the motor really well and then fire it up I should see the oil pressure come right up and if not shut down immediately. Any further advice is always welcome for other things I should check to hopefully prevent any damage.

Thanks Guys

 

While you have the filter off, check the filter bypass valve, make sure its in place and functioning

 

Which one is that Mark ? I took out the spring and sleeve for the oil pump by-pass , is there another one behind the filter ?

 

Yes it's in the cavity behind the filter. Push it in and see if it reseats.there is a spring behind it.

 

What Dan said

 

Thanks ! You guys are awesome !

 

Thanks Larry ! I will check it out tomorrow

 

Hey Guy's , we put new oil and filter - Removed , cleaned and reinstalled by-pass valve at oil filter. Checked valve at oil filter , Primed engine with a drill and got steady 60lbs. Reinstalled distributor and set timing , rotor , wires etc. Fired up the engine and got around 40 to 50 lbs at cold startup. Warmed up to a nice idle at 1000 RPM. No lifter noise or any mechanical knocks etc , although its loud with headers and 3" exhaust it sounded very smooth . Drove around the block slowly with oils pressure at around 30 plus cruising fairly slow. Parked again and let it idle , oil pressure continued down slowly at idle from 20lbs down to 15 or so. Motor still sounding strong and smooth ,Tried adjusting the spring on the by-pass valve but had no effect on the idle oil pressure. I set the timing and 4 corner idle mixture screws with my vacuum gauge . Shut it down for today and will get some exact cold startup and idle oil pressure readings tomorrow. Would love any input anyone might have , my current thoughts are bad oil pump or bearing issues. Also did not leave it for a long extended idle so not sure if the oil pressure will zero out again or not. Probably need to pull the motor and freshen it up would be my first thought ?

Thanks Chris

 

Take it for a ride, city, freeway, then report back

 

I will tomorrow Mark , wanted to leave well enough alone for today as at least it ran nice and smooth

Thanks

 

Thank God. Hate threads like this. Hope everything is fine