Had the truck about 2 weeks now and hasn't even left the yard. Completely replaced the brakes, got carb squared away and alternator replaced. Have a whole list of stuff that isn't working and 50+ years of previous owners 'rigging' stuff up to correct. Justbreying to get it running decent to at least be able to wheel around town a bit while I work on the other mechanicals and body. It does have guages, but the oil pressure sending unit appears to have been removed and replaced with a plug. I have that part ordered also.
I do appreciate the condescending remarks though...super helpful.

 

So checking oil pressure with a gauge when you are worried about oil psi is insulting? I’m sorry you took it that way, just saying it is a low $ and advisable thing to do based on your description of your current predicament. Again - Hope your engine is okay - and good luck.

 

I think what happens is reading a text and talking in person sometimes put a twist on what you actually meant. I get a lot of that, everybody thinks I'm being a dick when I try to help. I think I word things wrong.

 

Honestly....wasn't really offended. Just figured you were being a bit of a wise @ss.... It was more about the 'speculation and pissing in the wind comment'
I almost responded with 'what's an oil pressure guage?'
No worries and I appreciate the good luck wishes

 

I would pick up a cheap oil gauge local being you have a plug in the sender hole.
Leave the gauge on the motor while you use the drill to get PSI.
When you get PSI install your sender put the gauge in your tool box for the next project.
If you do install it in the truck do not use that plastic line as it will dry out, crack and spray oil all over and if it sprays on a hot motor could have a fire.

I think if you shut it down shortly after it made noise you will be good.
Dave ----

 

I appreciate all the helpful feedback from everyone.
Hopefully I will be able to jump back on it this evening and see if I can diagnose something.

I had read that some guys had experienced issues with the passenger side oiling and that's what led me to start the thread. I also had a terrible exhaust leak on that side, which could have hidden some ticking noise that already existed and I just didn't realize it. However, I don't think it was ticking that loud (if it was prior to this distributor change).
Hopefully things just didn't go back together correctly and there isn't some other major issue and I didn't screw anything up when it ran dry for that short period of time.

I'll let you guys know what I come up with.

 

So it turns out the drive shaft was not engaging the pump...so the pump wasn't turning.
I used a 1/2" drill and a long 1/4" extension to verify the pump was working and "primed' the engine. Then spent the next 1 hour and 1/2 trying to get everything lined up. The new distributor had a very shallow chamfer on the receiving end of the distributor (where the pump shaft slips in) combined with the fact that the guide plate had become magnetized after years of running I guess.
Regardless.....got it running and do have a light tick in the top end. I could have been there before and I couldn't hear it with the exhaust leak or I could have caused it. I appreciate everyone's help!!

Let it run a bit, went to set timing and my timing light didn't work (who knows how long it's been since it's been used). It was running pretty rich but I got it to idle by adjusting the timing by ear just to get the idle smooth.
I got a working light the next day and started the truck up, moved it over to the garage. Changed the oil and put new valve cover gaskets on it (since I pulled the covers to check oil flow).
Put everything back together and couldn't get it to start. Realized I had the wires one cylinder off, got it to start, but it will only running with the throttle pressed and then only for about 30 seconds before it seems to choke out. If I take my foot off the throttle....it'll idle really low for about 5-10 seconds, then shut off.

So....one issue down, another one to go. Did get my brake lights working and the horn. Haha