Topic: Looking for correct parts help.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I was out for a drive and the oil pressure gage started jumping around. Had the pressure check and it was around 20 PSI.The mechanic reconmened I replace the motor.However my car is a number matching car except for the headers.I would like to rebuild it to specs,but only knowing that my motor is a 350@165 hp I am little lost Covette central list some parts,but their cam specs don't jive with my car (350/350 hp)that not the right one for my motor.Talking to the kid behind the counter at the local auto parts don't cut it I am going to try to do it my self at the auto hobby shop at Aberdeen proving grounds as soon as I get all the parts.
RNB 2008-04-11 18:53:29
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Houston, TX - USA
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Vette(s): 1970 454 4 speed A/C power everything else
It could be a bad oil pump or worn bearings...............you didnt say if it was 20 psi at idle............
Rick,
Your mechanic may be right, but it seems like a big jump to pull the motor because the oil pressure just took a dive. We'll need a little more info on the problem:
How long did you run on the low pressure?
Did he perform any tests (compression/leakdown) to see if there is cylinder probems?
Did the engine smoke excessively or foul plugs regularly prior to this problem?
How many miles?
To concentrate on the oil pressure problem, try changing the oil pressure sender & check the wire for any breaks. If that does not work, have the distributor pulled to check for any problems (worn gears) that will keep it from engaing with the oil pump. Lastly, the oil pump may have to be replaced. Stick with a stock pressure pump, I made the mistake of going to a high pressure pump & now I'm pulling it for a stock pump. This is all assuming that there are no major problems found with the block.
As for parts (cam & stuff) talk to the pros. After talking to the cam guy @ Comp Cams, I was very happy with the choice I made. A friend had the same experience with a technician from Lunati.
If you're going the rebuild route, seek out a couple of local machine shops & "interview" them. If you don't know of any, ask some people @ local cruise nights & see who they recommend. Another option is to put the original engine into storage and drop in a crate engine.
Good luck,
Anthony
There are several reference works on rebuilding the smallblock Chevrolet, almost all of which list original GM part numbers and applications. Purchase a couple, read through them, and rebuild your original engine.
I agree with Ten15, do as much troubleshooting on the engine while its still in the car. A compression test will tell you volumes. It could be as simple as a clogged pump screen, but you have to look around and do all the testing first.
I will get the compression checked out. also the pressure will go back to 40 psi when the car is moving,when I slow down or the car is at idle it 20 psi.But not all the time today I started it up the pressure was fine. I have not had a problem with plugs fouling .I do have a smoke issue ,however it is white smoke and I think the valve guides need to be replace brcause when the car warms up it gose away. (they checked the oil pressrue with the car idling. ) it dose not have any valve knock or noise . Thanks for all the help.
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
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The small orifice in an electric oil pressure sending unit clogs on demand in high mileage cars. $15 part to verify if something more critical is awry.....
Certainly worth a shot
Certainly worth a shot
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I did change the oil sending unit when the oil pressure was checked. I am getting the compression test done Monday. Drove it today and the gage didn't move alot. RNB 2008-04-16 15:57:06
Somebody correct me if I am wrong but 20 lbs at idle, and 40 at speed plus the fact of a little white smoke at start up sound like an engine with some mileage on it and not necessarily in need of an immediate replacement. Maintenance maybe...
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That was my thought. Oil pressure at idle of 20 lbs is just fine. And it would be higher on a cold engine. As long as it goes up as soon as the RPMs come up, I don't see a problem. On the other hand, if your compression check is bad, it might be time for a rebuild anyway. The people above who recommended reading a couple of books are exactly right. Small block Chev engines are not rocket science. You can do anything except bore and replace the cam bearings with the engine in the car if you want.
Good luck
Larry
Good luck
Larry
in Forum: C3 Engines
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