The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Oil Pressure

Hello,

I have a 1953 with a 1954 235 installed. I just got the engine put back in the truck (but not rebuilt), and got it started. I know that oil is 'moving' as I had to retighten my oil lines going to the filter as they were seeping. The oil canister also has oil in it.

I let it run just for a few minutes, 3-5 maybe, but it never registered oil pressure on the gauge. There was kinda smoke/vapor coming from the vents on top of the valve cover.

There is a lot of smoke coming from the exhaust. ok, I just started it. I haven't been able to time it yet, AND I have a problem with the carb, as it is seeping fuel somewhere.

So, I know that the mixture is probably rich. The engine hasn't been started in about 10 months, and I suppose after a bit of time running, and timing etc, the smoke will improve, as it didn't smoke like that before the rebuild of the car. I repeat.....the engine was not rebuilt. I replaced the rear main seal, and that was all.

Question: Would this information point to an inoperative oil pressure gauge, or just characteristic of being at an idle? OR, is oil pressure itself (ie. pump, or engine shot)?

Thanks,
Steven

Steven,

It would be nice to check the oil pressure with a different gauge, to assure yourself that you reading is correct.

Do you know someone or some auto parts store that would loan you an oil pressure gauge?

Tim, good idea. I will research that, though I'm not expecting much in Italy.

I'm just thinking that as far as trouble shooting is concerned, I should make sure that oil is actually arriving to the gauge. Perhaps my oil line is clogged.

I'll try to illuminate that issue, and look for a test gauge.

Thanks for the idea.

Steven

You can get a mechanical oil pressure gauge from anything to use for a test. I wouldn't recommend loosening the line on the gauge end to check for flow, you will have a big mess really fast. I would loosen it on the engine side. Take care of the fuel leaking issue, then get it started and get it warmed up. Starting and stopping can make things worse. Good Luck, Don

Update.

I finally had a few days off work to trouble shoot.

I took the valve cover off, and started the engine. I noticed the following:

1. The oil tube seems sheared off, but oil is passing through the opening, and out of each of the rocker arms.

Oil Tube

As well, oil pressure started registering on the gauge. It shows about 15 psi at idle, and up to 30 psi when revved up.

So time for the question:

1. Is the oil tube being sheared/cut off, an issue? Oil seems to be distributed throughout the rocker arms.

Thanks,
Steven

There is another recent post about that oil connector between the two rocker arm shafts. That poster's connector was pinched tight and cut off at about the height of the rocker arm shafts.

That person's connector and your connecter were "converted" to apply more/all oil flow to the inside of the rocker arm assembly.

If your rockers arms are all letting oil come out around them (and/or through the hole in the top of the arm), the oil is flowing out and will return back to the oil pan.

If you are getting good oil pressure readings, any oil that reaches the rocker arms is returning to the pan, you might as well leave well-enough alone.