I just purchased a 72 Skylark this weekend. It starts but has zero oil pressure. Also there is a massive loss of power and it's backfiring. I switched out the oil pressure sensor w/ a mechanical oil pressure gauge to ensure it wasn't a sensor issue. Oil pressure gauge is reading zero. There is plenty of oil in it and no knocking. Any ideas? Thanks!
I would not run the engine without oil pressure. The distributor shaft has a tang on the bottom that drives the oil pump. First make sure the distributor is fully seated. Then remove it and look at the bottom of the shaft, and the oil pump drive shaft. Look for obvious damage. Then spin the pump with a drill and check for pressure. Pull both valve covers and check for damaged push rods. If a lifter popped out of it's bore, that would drop oil pressure. So would a popped out front oil galley plug, but that is less likely.
Agreed. Do not run that motor until you figure out whats wrong. I would think something broke, because the two things that normally happen to Buicks-- cam bearings and front cover oil pump issue usually don't affect oil pressure until the motor gets hot. I have run into a few sheared shafts on the gear from the distributor drive.
Thanks for all your input. It was the distributor issue. All is well... for now. I'm sure I will be back to ask for more input on some other matters. Thanks again!
well that's good . may want to run it for 20-30 miles and re-change oil n filter . I purchased a 64 'sabre with a 300 a long ( long ) time ago . it had been sitting awhile , no oil pressure upon start up . had to pop the pump cover off and pack gears ( petroleum jelly ) and reassemble . started er up - oil pressure good .
