Okay. So my 79 Ford F150 has turned out to be a project that has gone on for better than 18 months. Not so much time, as it was having the money to do what was needed. I, finally, have it all back together. I just recently rebuilt the engine (that made the 3rd time, I had an engine apart for this truck). I put a new crank kit in it, completed the assembly, and had to take it back apart, because I heard a clicking sound after it warmed up. Never did find the source of the click, because as I was taking it back apart, I checked all my torques, and everything checked good. But, what I did find, was that as I was assembling the engine, I had nicked one of the rod journals with the rod bolt. Now, I know that, that was not the cause of my click, but, I also know that my rod bearings would not have lasted very long. After all, I had only let the engine idle for about 10 minutes, before I heard the clicking sound, and that was enough to wear a groove in the bearing all the way down into the brass. I take it as a sign from the Lord that something was wrong with the engine that prompted re-disassembly. Anyway, I used an OEM oil pump, not a high volume. Now, when I start the engine, at idle, it has oil pressure, almost off the chart. After it warms up, it drops to 0. When I apply throttle, it picks it back up into the operating range. When I drive it: Taking off with engine cold, as long as I don't have to come to a stop, when the engine reaches n.o.t., the oil pressure stays high, but lowers gradually to just inside the operating range mark. If I come to a stop, it drops. How far it drops depends on how long I sit at idle. If it is still in operating range when I pull out, it picks up to about mid point. If it drops to 0, it will pick back up to just inside the operating range mark. Now, I did not replace the pressure switch. I reused the old one, because it was functioning. I am the type of person, that if it is not broke, don't fix it. Is it possible that that is the point of my problem? I have the oil gauge in my dash, not the light. I am considering a mechanical guage, just because I would rather see numbers. I did, do a plastigauge test. Everything was within specs. Could there still be something wrong, internally? I've got $6000 invested in this truck, and I refuse to spend a penny more. I'm am tired of spending. This has become one BIG money pit. If there is something wrong internally, I'm afraid it will be going down the road as a HUGE loss for me. Somebody.......PLEASE give me some GOOD news!

 

No one's going to read all that jumbled crap...just a heads up...

 

check it with an aftermarket oil pressure gauge

 

X2! With the erratic readings you're getting, the first thing I would suspect would be the gauge or sending unit.
Usually when there is a mechanical problem causing the low pressure it's consistent.
You need to get a good mechanical oil pressure gauge to see exactly what you are dealing with.
The stock gauges, even when working properly, suck for accuracy.
As a rule of thumb, once warmed up and the oil at operating temperature, 10psi per 1000 rpm is acceptable oil pressure.

 

Yea X3...

What a joke.

You expect some morons on the internet to diagnose your issue???

You don't even say what motor this is....

$6,000 spent......$1.27 in tech info

Talk to your engine builder (I hope it's not you)

 

Thanks blue, and mike. I'll be sure to go right away and get me a mechanical gauge cluster. I am a Disabled Veteran now, and don't work anywhere. I am a mechanic by trade, but I got my disability from the military about 12 years ago. It's one of these situations where if you don't use it you lose it. LOL!

And here's a heads up to you, Montana. I have never, hoodooed anybody. Do you like to make it a thing, too personally go out of your way, too be a rude DICK to somebody? If you ain't got nothin good to say to me, then don't say nothin at all!

 

Just use spacing between your sentences the next time, is that too much to ask?

Congrats on your service, I served too....isn't our government veteran services great?

(That was sarcasm for the Neanderthals reading this)

 

dj, thanks, too, for your service.
This is really reaching, but one thing that I can possibly see causing your erratic readings is the pickup tube on the oil pump. If its loose or if the gasket is bad, allowing it to suck air, I could see that causing your symptoms.......but I'd still get the mechanical gauge first .

 

Gee, thanks montana .

 

I'm including myself first and foremost in that statement Mike...

If that's any consolation to you

To the OP...have you contacted Wounded Warrior Project - Wounded Warrior Project they offer real help....

 

You just can't win can you?


It might help if you told us just what you have.

 

Can't say that I have. Can't see as I need any help. What kinda help are you refering too? Wounded Warrior Project don't work on cars. LOL! I just sustained a head injury in Iraq, which has caused me a LOT of memory problems.

 

That's EXACTLY what i'm talking about, they helped me they can help you....

PM me, they're good people...no agenda, they simply want to help....it's a good thing

As to your truck issues.....well....you're screwed....

 

Don't tell me that! I was not joking when I said that I had $6000 in this truck. I literally have $6000 tied up in this whole truck! That's whats really screwed!

 

Dude! I wasn't joking!

PM me if you're serious.