The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop BBC Oil Pessure Problems

Rebuilt 10 years ago Chevy Big Block 396. I have at max 1000 miles on it. It sat about 2 years and when I started it this year (after oil change and new filter) it blows the seal off the filter. I tried a new filter, same result. Also tried a new spin on filter adapter with bypass and no luck there. Is it the oil pump? Sealed Power HV pump. The gauge slaps the max, then oil all over the floor. Never had this issue till now.

The pressure relief in the pump could be hung up. There may be a pressure relief in the block near the filter mount. Any change to the filter adapter?

Odd things can happen. A friend lost a race engine once when a bristle from a wire brush found it's way into the oil pump and locked it up after a rebuild.

I checked the block and there is not. No new change to the adapter. I kind of thought it may be the pump, but I really really REALLY didnt want to pull the motor lol.Thought it would be best to see what others thought. Thanks

Oh one thing,I was using a Fram filter and have since it was built. I've been hearing bad things about Fram all of a sudden. Any truth to them being cheaply made?

Just pull the pan, and fix pump. you really don't need a HV pump. but since you have it remove the pin that holds the by pass in and clean it out, re-assemble it . I don't think there is any quick fixes for that problem. maybe somebody knows of one.

Looks like a Friday evening engine pull this week. I'm not looking for a quick fix. Got a lot of money into this motor. I don't wanna roach it.

This is why I love this forum. Y'all are a great knowledge base when I'm at a loss or questioning myself. Thanks for having my back!!!

Although I once worked for Fram, I read a comparison article that praised Purolator, and have been using them ever since. I'm sure they all work fine, some just better at filtering.

The name of a real oil filter is WIX, or NAPA, which is a WIX with the NAPA name on it. All others are poor imitations.

The reason the filter seal is blowing out is a locked-up oil pump pressure relief valve. Also change the pump drive shaft while you're in there, and check or replace the roll pin that attaches the distributor drive gear. All of the above has been subjected to stresses far above normal before the filter seal blew out.
Jerry

All others are poor imitations? Really? Do you work for Wix or NAPA?

Cut open a Wix / Napa oil filter and then cut open another brand oil filter. Seeing is believing.

Just my opinion- - - - -based on 50+ years of building NASCAR engines and winning lots of races with them. How about you, newbie?
Jerry

50 years of doing the same thing over and over? I worked as a development and test engineer with Autolite and Fram, as well as having many years of testing of engines and engine components at the OEM level. I have a much more in depth knowledge of these things than someone who buys them over the counter! Nuff' said!

I got a WIX, an ACDelco and a Fram cut open on my counter right now. There is a difference, I buy WIX. No cardboard inside the WIX.

Can you come talk to my garden for awhile?
Jerry

I had same oil pressure issue. It was relief valve stuck on oil pump. Pull spring and clean out check ball and all is good. I guess they do not like being left sitting however it was not a fresh rebuild though.
Ed