No oil pressure

[Joe Flanagan]

I took the top off my oil pump to figure out why it was leaking. I forgot to install the gasket. Put the gasket in, and no more leaks. But also no more oil pressure. I have packed the pump with assembly lube and tried pouring oil into it (I have a 49 and you can't remove the pump because the frame is in the way). I can start it and it runs fine with no noise but the gauge reads zero so I shut it off. I have the plugs out now and have been cranking and cranking and I can't get any oil pressure. Any suggestions? I think I might try hooking up a gauge to the block where the oil gauge line goes in to see what that reads.

[insaneradio]

I wish I could be of more help but if I recall the clearance from the top of the pump rotor and top cover is rather critical. If too large oil press will not build. Did you install the correct gasket??

I like your idea of installing a direct reading gauge. I just think it is definately something with the gasket installation being you had good press prior to.

Good Luck. Keep us all posted.

Dave

[JBNeal]

Might the oil pressure relief valve be hung up in its bore? That'll give a null reading on the gauge.

[Joe Flanagan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was going to pull the relief valve and see if it moves freely. Seems strange that it would all of a sudden get stuck when I put a new gasket on the oil pump, though. First I'll check the gasket. I'll remove it and see if I get pressure.

[Joe Flanagan]

Dave gets the prize. It was the gasket. I removed it and the oil pressure went right up to normal. I made a gasket out of some gasket material I had lying around and used something that was too thick. I didn't know the top to the pump had to be so close to the impeller in order for it to work but now I recall the manual saying to check that clearance and that it should be miniscule. So now I just have to find the right gasket (or the right material).

Shel, I didn't run the engine very long. Seconds at most. There was no noise at all coming from it.

[Joe Flanagan]

Thanks for those links, Shel. I do have an extra pump lying around and it likely has a gasket on it. I might see if I can salvage that one.

[Flatie46]

I've made gasketts for things in the past outta cereal boxes and such, they've always worked well. If it has to be thin you might try making one from a large heavy paper bag like you used to get grocerys in, if you can find one. Or a heavy mail envelope. I 've never had one of those pumps apart, it might work might not. I live a good distance from the parts stores. Sometimes I get creative in order to save me a trip.

[Don Coatney]

I've made gasketts for things in the past outta cereal boxes and such, they've always worked well. If it has to be thin you might try making one from a large heavy paper bag like you used to get grocerys in, if you can find one. Or a heavy mail envelope.

I have done the same. Lay the new gasket material on the surface and lightly tap the edges with a ball-pien hammer. Cuts like a knife!

[P-12 Tommy]

Don's right. I learned that technique in auto mechanics in school. Works like a charm.

Tom

[Joe Flanagan]

I think my pump has the gasket that's shown in that picture. It looked more like some kind of ring that was recessed down into the pump.

[insaneradio]

Dave gets the prize. It was the gasket. I removed it and the oil pressure went right up to normal. I made a gasket out of some gasket material I had lying around and used something that was too thick. I didn't know the top to the pump had to be so close to the impeller in order for it to work but now I recall the manual saying to check that clearance and that it should be miniscule. So now I just have to find the right gasket (or the right material).

Shel, I didn't run the engine very long. Seconds at most. There was no noise at all coming from it.

Glad to hear it Joe!! Does this mean when I get to Va I can get a ride in your car! I have family that live out near Langley AFB. I often talk about going out that way for a vacation.

The only reason I new that was I did the EXACT same thing about 15 years ago. If I remember right I was able to remove my cover and clean the gasket and reinstall gasket with a rubber sealant and it has worked this long!

Dave

[Joe Flanagan]

Dave, I can't guarantee the car will be driveable when you get to Virginia but if it is, you'll go for a ride in it.

I solved my leaking gasket problem this morning. I had an extra pump in my garage. I swapped gaskets out and that was the end of the leaking pump. The gasket that I had in the pump was kind of flat and hard, compared to the one from the other pump, which seemed like it had more substance to it and was more rubbery. So that was the problem. The forum saves my keister again.

[insaneradio]

Dave, I can't guarantee the car will be driveable when you get to Virginia but if it is, you'll go for a ride in it.

I solved my leaking gasket problem this morning. I had an extra pump in my garage. I swapped gaskets out and that was the end of the leaking pump. The gasket that I had in the pump was kind of flat and hard, compared to the one from the other pump, which seemed like it had more substance to it and was more rubbery. So that was the problem. The forum saves my keister again.

All honesty I am unsure if or when I would get out your way. Seems there is always something keeping me here. If I do get out in your kneck of the woods I will let you know. Thanks for the invite for the ride!

Dave