New engine low oil pressure
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: East Wenatchee, WA
New engine low oil pressure
So the 408w I have in my '91 is not getting good oil pressure. I checked with a mechanical gauge and it getting about 5 psi at idle and about 18-20 psi at 2000 rpms.
Found this out because I drove it for a bit, got some valvetrain noise so I took it to a shop to have the valves adjusted and it was still noisey, so I had them check oil pressure and there it was. I had them throw some oil stabilizer in it to see if the oil was just too thin 5w30, figured didnt have anything to lose trying but that didnt change the pressure much.
The engine has a little over a hundred miles on it.
What can I check for this thing? Mechanics dont have a whole bunch of ideas
Found this out because I drove it for a bit, got some valvetrain noise so I took it to a shop to have the valves adjusted and it was still noisey, so I had them check oil pressure and there it was. I had them throw some oil stabilizer in it to see if the oil was just too thin 5w30, figured didnt have anything to lose trying but that didnt change the pressure much.
The engine has a little over a hundred miles on it.
What can I check for this thing? Mechanics dont have a whole bunch of ideas
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Southern NM
Well,there are alot of unknowns in there.I would remove the oil filter and open the skin up to have a look at the element.See if,or what the metal content is.When you lubed the engine,did you put in a high zinc additive?I only ask because new flat tappet camshafts almost certainly need it for a proper break in for their first 20 minutes of life.You mentioned that the valve train was noisy and it makes you wonder about that valvetrain area.Low oil pressure could be due to many things.Improper bearing clearances,a pipe plug out of a gallery,or expansion plug,bad relief(low spring tension)in the oil pump.Do you have the correct oil pump pickup tube and screen?Lube system could be taking air.Check the filter.Let us know what you find.I hate to say it,but you probably face some surgery in that engine.When you examine the filter element lok for copper and tin,as this is bearing material.Take a small magnet and drag it along the filter pleats and see if you have iron or steel attaching itself to the magnet,as this is camshaft lobe,lifter faces,etc will be evident as small particles.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: LaGrande,Ore
Low oil press.
STOP! Do not disassemble anything yet. I repeat stop! If you bought an assembled long block from almost any store/company, or reputable builder there will be recourse with them. They will have test procedures to go through and notifications to make. Contact your engine supplier first and follow procedure, it will save you many dollars.If you need help with this let me know, I've been here before. OBCB
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: East Wenatchee, WA
Talked to the builder today, told him the situation. The company changed hands since I bought it because Jon Barret was so screwed up. Now its Snug Harbor Hot Rods, theyre being very helpful, said for me to check the galley plugs to make sure they are there, says most likely not the rear one so I should be able to check them with the engine in the pickup still.
Does anyone have a diagram of where the plugs are? I know there are 1 or 2 behind the timing cover and one somewhere near the dist from what the builder was saying but want to check all of them I can.
Does anyone have a diagram of where the plugs are? I know there are 1 or 2 behind the timing cover and one somewhere near the dist from what the builder was saying but want to check all of them I can.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: LaGrande,Ore
Low press
Glad to hear the new co. is willing to help. With it changing hands they may not be obligated to do anything. With a dialogue started already and a willingness to help, speakes highly of them. Now it's time to do the leg work, and keep them up to date with everything.As long as they are willing you should be able to work with them. They may not be willing or obligated to spend any thing on repairs/replacement, but be able to point you in the right direction ( ? ). Document every step !!! Pictures and diary. VERY important to document. May be a component that is not up to par, workmanship may be A OK. Walk/talk softly you will win in the long run. Sorry to sound like fussy aunt Minnie, You probably know all of this. Best of luck, please keep us posted. OBCB
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: East Wenatchee, WA
So I got the timing cover off and it looks like it is missing 2 galley plugs. Not completely sure what they look like, but I looked at the 5.0 block I took out and there are holes that are plugged on it and not on the block in the truck.
Does any one have a pic of what they look like or even a diagram of where they are located? Also not sure what size plug I need, what size are they?
Does any one have a pic of what they look like or even a diagram of where they are located? Also not sure what size plug I need, what size are they?
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: East Wenatchee, WA
Ok I installed the 2 missing galley plugs put it all back together and get good pressure now.
I installed a mechanical oil pressure gauge, well half installed, its mounted in the engine compartment until I figure out where I want to put it in the dash.
Where are some easy and good looking places to put them?
Anyone got any pics of aftermarket gauges installed?
I installed a mechanical oil pressure gauge, well half installed, its mounted in the engine compartment until I figure out where I want to put it in the dash.
Where are some easy and good looking places to put them?
Anyone got any pics of aftermarket gauges installed?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: LaGrande,Ore
Oil pressure
Glad to hear you found and corrected the problem Good for you, just a sour note to send at you though (devil's advocate). Did you check any thing else out while you were in there? Leaving out those plugs was a gross oversight for all but a rookie builder and would raise red flags on everything done. I don't mean to rain on your parade, just don't want to have you get more bad news later when lt might cost a lot more. OBCB
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: East Wenatchee, WA
All I took off was the timing cover so couldnt really check out a whole lot. But yeah Ive lost alot of confidence in my engine over this. Who knows if the guy forgot something else
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: LaGrande,Ore
Confidence
Understand that feeling. Go slow in you testing and break-in of the new engine. I think you understand what I mean, get a feel for it, then you"ll be able to catch that little something before it's a big something. Best of Luck. OBCB
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jinxie
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
May 11, 2015 10:58 PM
SoNic67
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
23
Nov 17, 2010 03:51 PM
77 Bronco
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
8
Jun 10, 2008 08:59 PM
kuskye25
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Mar 8, 2008 01:52 PM
