Posted by Vaughn on Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 10:52AM :
This is in response to earlier posts. It seems even after engine rebuids, proper oil pressure (30-45 lbs at 30 mph) is still a problem. I have'nt rebuilt my engine yet, although I need to, but I have done what most say not to, I have "shimmed" and my oil pressure, with the engine cold at an idle is 45 lbs and 40 lbs at an idle with the engine warm. This is with worn grooves in bearings and cranck journels. Here are some things to do:
- ALWAYS, ALAWAYS check rod/main bearing gap with plastice gauge when reassembling your engine. I have gotten reground cranks that were as much as .010 over cut. I think that crank was ground on a Monday or friday.
- You can check your oil pumps using a feeler gauge, .010 gap or less between inner an outer rotors. Press the outer rotor to one side of the housing, the gap should be .008 or less. Anything outside of this would require a rebuilt pump.
- The oil pressure relief valve uses various springs to maintain oil pressure within the above specs. Here are the numbers:
Light Chrysler# 1119995
Standard Chrysler# 1119994
Heavy Chrysler# 1119996
If you have rebuilt your engine and are confident things are in good order and still have low oil pressure, you may want to try a standard or heavy spring. You don't have the history of your truck, how it was maintained, or if it was every serverly overheated to give you a clue as to possible causes for low oil pressure. You go with keeping every thing in specs.
If I can lock my tires with standard Budd drums and brakes, I know you can get your oil pressure within specs. Enjoy!