Oil pressure Problems

[gspineda]

Need your help. I have a 48 P15 with a 218 in it. The engine has been running great till tonight. When I accelerate I loose oil pressure down to zero where the valves start to clack. When I let off the accelerator the pressure goes back up to 40 lbs. Has anybody had this problem?? Thanks gp

[Plymouthy Adams]

Do you have an oil filter on the car and is it in good condition? Otherwise I would suspect that the oil strainer on the pump inlet is clogged up and the higher speed is not pulling adequate oil

[Dodgeb4ya]

That might be the rods clacking! Low oil pressure won't change the sound of mechanical tappets-low oil pressure will cause clacking hydraulic tappets/lifters - but 6 cyl. mopar flatheads have the mechanical tappets.You need to check your oil level- I assume you already have, also the pressure relief valve for sticking open- and well if these couple items don't fix it you might be in serious trouble.

Bob

[Beallrite]

I would drain the oil and pull the filter and look for metal .If that looked good I would inspect the oil pump, the pickup might be clogged or the tube might be sucking air cavitatating the pump . Good luck

[John Reddie]

That does sound like it could possibly be the pickup screen could be plugged up and not allowing enough oil pressure at higher engine speeds. I would check the filter and the line to it first to be sure that they are not plugged up. That would be easier. Good luck and let us know what you find.

John R

[gspineda]

First off I want to thank you guys for your help. I drained the oil, dropped the pan and sure enough the pick up screen was partially clogged with muck. No evidence of metal. Cleaned everything up, put it back together with a new gasket. Took the filter and lines apart. Blew out the lines and cleaned the canister, new filter and put it back together. Added oil. Started her up and checked for leaks. Drove it around the hills. Steady 45 psi and no clacking. I'm happy. Thanks alot guys. gp

[steveplym]

Glad it worked out for you. I usually suspect the worst, and with my luck my worries are usually true. It's nice to have a simple fix when you have issues.