Lost bolt down the distributor hole
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 3
Update
I replaced the oil pressure unit, and cold the pressure is up to 20 (still low) sooooo, off to drop the pan.
As for the permatex theory - I don't think so, I used a small amount on the intake front and back and that is it. As for the idea that there is coolant in the oil - don't think so. No sign of that - the head gasket issue is solved.
The manual tells me the problems could be:
- Slow Idle speed - Nope - not that
- Incorrect of malfunctioning oil pressure switch - Don't think so
- Incorrect of malfunctioning oil pressure gage - Nope - it is new
- Improper Oil - same oil - Nope
- Diluted oil - Nope
- Oil Pump worn or dirty - Maybe
- Plugged oil filter - maybe (with a bolt?)
- Oil Pickup screen plugged - Maybe
- Excessive bearing clearance - Nope
- Cracked or porous or plugged oil galleys - Very possible
- Galley plugs missing or miss installed - Nope
So, the pan is coming off. AHHhhhhh
-
As for the permatex theory - I don't think so, I used a small amount on the intake front and back and that is it. As for the idea that there is coolant in the oil - don't think so. No sign of that - the head gasket issue is solved.
The manual tells me the problems could be:
- Slow Idle speed - Nope - not that
- Incorrect of malfunctioning oil pressure switch - Don't think so
- Incorrect of malfunctioning oil pressure gage - Nope - it is new
- Improper Oil - same oil - Nope
- Diluted oil - Nope
- Oil Pump worn or dirty - Maybe
- Plugged oil filter - maybe (with a bolt?)
- Oil Pickup screen plugged - Maybe
- Excessive bearing clearance - Nope
- Cracked or porous or plugged oil galleys - Very possible
- Galley plugs missing or miss installed - Nope
So, the pan is coming off. AHHhhhhh
-
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 113
From: Michigan
Bolt couldn't make it to your filter or past the pickup screen. GL hope it's a simple clogged pickup.
You did put a new oil filter on after the headgasket fix right? Oil pumps are cheap and might as well put a new one on and if you don't tac weld the pickup use one of these http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performan...51362/10002/-1 and make sure you check the pickup clearance from the bottom of the pan.
You did put a new oil filter on after the headgasket fix right? Oil pumps are cheap and might as well put a new one on and if you don't tac weld the pickup use one of these http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performan...51362/10002/-1 and make sure you check the pickup clearance from the bottom of the pan.
Last edited by BOOT77; Nov 29, 2013 at 12:44 PM. Reason: dirrrrrrrr
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 3
It is not the oil filter - the old one was clear and there is a new one in there now.
The pan is loose, and I am having a few issues getting it free. The pressure was at idle only, I did not push it. I have to get the two 45 degree braces out and the two studs closest to the trans. Any idea where the coolant line runs? One side (left) has a rubber hose that was easy to separate, but the other side runs above the cross member and I can not see the termination yet.
Dirt, dark and tight
The pan is loose, and I am having a few issues getting it free. The pressure was at idle only, I did not push it. I have to get the two 45 degree braces out and the two studs closest to the trans. Any idea where the coolant line runs? One side (left) has a rubber hose that was easy to separate, but the other side runs above the cross member and I can not see the termination yet.
Dirt, dark and tight
Last edited by Frank-in-San-Diego; Nov 29, 2013 at 05:34 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
Here's a thought. you notice how the distributor or any of the priming tools have a collar down low. That's to seal off the feed for the lifters so that the oil flows up through the push rods to the rockers, etc... I wonder if it could have fallen in there somehow and is restricting the flow? Not sure but it could be possible that is where the sending unit takes its feed from as well.
I haven't been able to find an oil flow diagram to verify any of this. Also another thought is that it may have actually broken something and created leakage somewhere internally. Low pressure could also be caused by oil by passing the normal route i.e. a small hole allowing oil to drip back into the the crankcase.
I haven't been able to find an oil flow diagram to verify any of this. Also another thought is that it may have actually broken something and created leakage somewhere internally. Low pressure could also be caused by oil by passing the normal route i.e. a small hole allowing oil to drip back into the the crankcase.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 3
Well, I have the pan out and the bolt was in the bottom of the pan. The distributor hole goes directly to the crank and it looks like the bolt rode the crank into the top of the casting and broke in half. From there I think it hit the oil pump shaft. I am going to replace the shaft and the oil pump and see if that does it. i think the shaft is bad, but I will know soon.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 113
From: Michigan
Here's a thought. you notice how the distributor or any of the priming tools have a collar down low. That's to seal off the feed for the lifters so that the oil flows up through the push rods to the rockers, etc... I wonder if it could have fallen in there somehow and is restricting the flow? Not sure but it could be possible that is where the sending unit takes its feed from as well.
I haven't been able to find an oil flow diagram to verify any of this. Also another thought is that it may have actually broken something and created leakage somewhere internally. Low pressure could also be caused by oil by passing the normal route i.e. a small hole allowing oil to drip back into the the crankcase.
I haven't been able to find an oil flow diagram to verify any of this. Also another thought is that it may have actually broken something and created leakage somewhere internally. Low pressure could also be caused by oil by passing the normal route i.e. a small hole allowing oil to drip back into the the crankcase.
FYI I have a groove cut dist and have bout 30psi warm at idle
Hope the new pump & shaft helps!
Last edited by BOOT77; Nov 30, 2013 at 03:44 PM. Reason: dirrrrrrrr
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
I dont use the orings either
This sprays a stream of oil on the gear no noticeable oil pressure loss
Dont think its needed though soon as the engine turns 1 revolution even by hand the gear will be doused in oil
This sprays a stream of oil on the gear no noticeable oil pressure loss
Dont think its needed though soon as the engine turns 1 revolution even by hand the gear will be doused in oil
Last edited by cv67; Nov 30, 2013 at 03:50 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 7
From: Morgan Hill and Marina California
I'd be worried about what the bolt did to the crank and casting. And the advice to pull some caps and have a look at bearings is good. Plastigage (sp?) will let you check the bearing clearances.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 286
The factory sbc distributor has a oil groove it the body that is not fully machined like the aftermarket on pictured, so if the distributor body is positioned different then it could cause pressure problems. I've seen the part clogged up on poorly maintained sbc too.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 3
Thank you one and all - You (all) were very helpful. 50psi at cold idle, drops to 40 at warm idle, no overheating problems. I think I messed up the timing a little (no timing light) but running well. Done, completed, fix, el finnito!!
Ahhhh
Ahhhh
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 110
From: Brandon Fl
Glad that worked out for you. That coud have been really bad.
