Oil pressure problem

McMaster · Jun 11, 2012

My dad replaced the 360 in his 1996 Ram with one he just rebuilt. The engine runs fine, but once it warms up the oil pressure drops to zero at idle. If you rev it up it will go up to 20+ PSI (still low). We've replaced the oil pump, checked the main and rod bearings - they still look new, and checked with a mechanical oil pressure gauge to be sure it wasn't a gauge issue. Any ideas? Thanks.

Mopar1973Man · Jun 11, 2012

Either the pickup tube is plugged up or there is excessive clearances in the bearings. I hate to say it but the engine is not serviceable and shouldn't be driven till its corrected.

Just because the bearing look new doesn't mean there isn't excessive clearance between them. You would have to remove the crank and measure the crank and con's for proper size.

Howells · Jun 11, 2012

Did you change the sump when you did the pump. Make sure the other rings from the sump to the pump are good and clean the sump out. I would start there.

McMaster · Jun 12, 2012

We didn't replace the sump. I think that's where we'll start. My dad's so frustrated with it, that he just wants to drive it 'til it blows. I would rather pull it and rebuild it to be certain that it's right.

Hotroder383 · Jun 12, 2012

The most common problem I have had on rebuilds with no oil pressure is too much play in main bearings. I'd pull it drop your pan and plasti gauge a couple of mains and a couple of rods while you got it out. Go ahead and do your pickup and screen while your flipped over.
Remember it is the little things like bearing clearance that bites you in the ass on rebuilds.

Oil pressure problem

McMaster

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Mopar1973Man

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Howells

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McMaster

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Hotroder383

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