FE Oiling Problem
New User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
FE Oiling Problem
Fill me in on the FE oiling problem in a "For Dummies" version. Seriously, I have read all the posts about the problem and what needs to be done to correct it. However, I've only read that the 3/8" hole between the oil pump and filter adapter needs to be drilled out. Drilled out to what? I read that sometimes 1/2" may be too much while 7/16" isn't big enough to make a difference. What have you tried and what has worked best? Also, how do I reduce the amount of oil to the valvetrain? Hopefully a step by step explanation will help all of us who are in the process of rebuilding an FE and who want to do it right.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
FE Oiling Problem
chev- the oiling problem on FEs is because of poor machining at the foundry, the design is okay. I always drill out the pump to filter pad passage to 7/16s. This makes it the same size as the passage feeding the main gallery. It might not seem like a big size differance, but do the math-area=pieR2, the 3/8 area is .11 sq inches and the 7/16ths is.15 sq inches, about a 36% gain in area available for flow. 1/2 is even better but if you don't drill exactly along the original center line of the passage you might crack the block. The valve rocker oil can be restricted in the heads below the rockerstand. If you look back into the FE forum there is a thread called catastrophic engine failure, by donsboy, some helpful reader pasted my oiling instructions in that thread. Send me an Email if you have any more questions. DF
