'63 Oil Pressure Question

[Joel T.]

Another question on the '63...

We fired up what is a restoration motor for my '63. Prior to doing this, we used a high speed drill and a rig my buddy had to pump oil throughout the system. We managed to get oil up into the heads and over the rockers, so I feel pretty confident that the pump is working. (This pump was in the engine which we pulled out and was working). While we did this, my oil pressure gauge showed basically nothing. Yesterday we cranked the engine up for the first time after re-assembly. She ran fine and showed no indications of a lack of oil pressure. I even had a leaky valve cover gasket to fix, so I know that there is oil circulating, but the gauge still reads zero!! The gauge was rebuilt/restored and the capilary tube and fittings are all new? Could their be a blockage somewhere?? I'm thinking of picking up a separate mechanical oil pressure gauge just to be sure..

Any ideas?

Thx,

Joel

[John O.]

Re: '63 Oil Pressure Question

Hi Joel

First of all, you should of put in a new or rebuilt oil pump.Especially if it's a rebuilt engine.Why take chances.When I did mine on my 62, I pulled the distributer out.I took a rod about 18" long x 1/2" diameter and notched the end so it would fit in the oil pump like the distributer does.Using a drill to turn it showed plenty of oil pressure on the gauge which I mounted on top of the engine so I could see. My idea for you would be to try another gauge to see if you have the pressure as you thought.This would let you know if your gauge is bad or possibly plugged . After that, if no luck, I would just replace the oil pump reguardless.Make sure the screen on the pump pick up is completely cleaned.The worsed case is that one crank rod bushing shifted, reducing oil pressure.Also when you put the old pump in,was it full of oil? As I recall, your supposed to pack the pump gears so it will create a pump action to get it full of oil.

Good Luck......John

[Wally A.]

Re: '63 Oil Pressure Question

just to make sure. pull a valve cover and start the engine. oil should be spraying out of the rocker arms.. if so, you have a bad gauge or plugged or kinked line between the gauge and motor... good luck wally

[Frank C.]

Re: '63 Oil Pressure Question

Hi...I doubt if this is your problem, but one time a friend called me to say he had a no oil pressure problem. I went to help him and after a couple hours of investigating we found the engine rebuilder had not installed the oil galley plugs above the camshaft. Something to think about. Regards Frank