The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Oil pressure problems

Im having oil pressure fluctuations on my 57 chevy 235 with hydramatic transmission. When its in idle the oil pressure is close to 30psi when i put it in gear(I-4) it drops close to 0 and a clicking noise starts to appear. Engine level is good with clean oil. Im also having oil leaks that are coming from the transmission. Any body know where i can get new gaskets to reseal the transmission? Thanks for the help.

Is it the stock type oil gauge if so it either is being pinched when the engine moves under torque, or its opening up a leak in the line. If its an electrical gauge the wire is broken and pulled apart by engine under torque.

Transmission parts
http://fatsco.com/

Its the stock gauge. I recently replaced the copper line with a new one.

Try useing a heavy weight oil. The trans. parts can be purchased at Fatscos.

Make sure the distributor is pushed all the way down and it's in the slot and not just sitting on top of the shaft. Easy to check, put your hand on the distributor and push down see what happens.Larry

Autran in MA says they sell Hydra-Matic gaskets. I know nothing about the compnay.

You likely have some worn bearings in the engine. Pressure should be higher than 30psi when cold, and around 15 when idling and warmed up.

Does this engine have hydraulic lifters? If so, you are hearing them because there is not enough oil pressure to pump them up at idle when it is hot.

Afraid it's time for a rebuild.

As already said, Fatscos is a good place to get the parts for the hydramatic.

Pickup sump on the oil pump problems?

Thanks for all the good info. I looked into the distributor to make sure its seated all the way in. Im able to lift it out with out removing any hardware i already tried reseating it several times but it wont go any further. Any tips?

if you have 30 psi at any point, the distributor is seated. When you have "0" psi at all times, that is the point I would look for that problem. Does it come back to 30 when you take it out of gear, what is the difference between hot and cold? How old is your gauge? try another gauge. How old is the engine/how many miles, does it smoke? could this just be an old worn out engine? How long have you had this engine? Is this a recent problem? Come on man, we needs details.....It certainly sounds like time for a rebuild to me, at least adjust shims if you have them, maybe a new oil pump. you need to get in there and see what is up.

Yeah i know. Im going to drop the oil pan this week and look into replacing the oil pump. The engine runs really good and has a nice dry healthy tone to it compared to other straight sixes i heard. No oil burning or heavy smoke from exhaust. As of for the oil pressure it gradually build up to 30 psi when cold. When fully warmed up and put it into gear the oil pressure drops to until i put it back into neutral it returns to about 15-20psi. I know its really hard to diagnose the problem through a computer just looking for advice.

Yeah, it sounds like you have excessive wear issues, be it oil pump, bearings, or both. sorry.