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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 23
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 23 |
How do I know there is enough oil flow through the engine? It is a 1931 that was rebuilt many years ago but has very few miles or time running. Maby 5 miles, plus time for test and tune. The oil pressure gauge shows 1 lb at idle and about 2 at higher rpm. There just the odd drip along the rocker shaft. Only tiny bit of flow out of the supply tube when removed from the fitting.
1931 chevy
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The center main bearing and the dash oil pressure guage is the only two things getting full oil pressure in a 1931 engine.
The rocker arms and other points get oil from the low pressure side of the oil distributor valve.
Would be suggested to hook-up a master gauge to the high pressure side.
Sould be several pounds with cold oil at idle speeds dropping to 2 or 3 pounds at idle with hot oil. Considerly more at higher engine speeds.
If the engine has been started and run cold for a number of years without the oil being changed the oil could be thinned out with gas causing low pressure.
Last edited by Chev Nut; 06/03/16 09:41 AM.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,566 Likes: 14 |
That oil pressure sound low to me but it could be the gauge or oil distributor blocked slightly. My 31 runs about 8lbs when hot going down the road under speed and about 4-5lbs at idle, again when good and hot.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
There just the odd drip along the rocker shaft. Only tiny bit of flow out of the supply tube when removed from the fitting. That is a strong indication that you don't have enough oil flow. I would suggest removing the oil pan, checking for sludge in the bottom of the pan. Sludge can be thick enough so it restricts the flow to the pump. An alternative might be to remove the distributor, install a rod with end to match the bottom of the distributor shaft clamped into a reversible drill. Turn the rod clockwise at about 500 rpm. With cold oil you should see ~ 10 psig. Also check to see if oil is flowing at the rocker shaft and overflowing the center fitting. If not then you will definitely need to remove the oil pan.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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