VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Motor Oil: "Riding the Film" 1937

I got the 36 started yesterday for the first time. Good oil pressure at startup. I let it run a while so it was good and warm. Retorqued the head, readjusted the valves. Now low to no pressure showing at the gauge but plenty at the rockers, even using a drill to run the pump. So I am assuming the pump is pumping and something is wrong at the oil distributer. The gauge runs off that.
So I searched the forums, did not find much discussion about the oil distributer. Googled it and found a YouTube video with the above title. I tried to paste the URL here but does not paste. I found the article very interesting even though it did not really mention the oil distributer, but shows it.
As I did not see any mention of this video in the forums I thought I would pass it along to anyone interested.
I think it is well done.
Heading out to the shop to do more troubleshooting,
Steve

We were alerted to this Chevrolet Promo. film a few years ago.
Before you fool around with the pressure regulator try another gause or bleed the air out of the oil pressure line.

Thank you for the reply Chevgene. I thought you might have seen this but was not sure. Yup, done both those and I thank you for the input. Still checking.
Steve

Back again, thought about what you said Chevgene and before I removed the oil distributer I scrounged up a third gauge and now I am running 7 at 450 rpm and 13 at 1500 hot. I am feeing a bit better now.

Thanks again for the hint,
Steve

Some times you are too close to the forest to see the trees.
That is right on target.

Steve
With those pressures I would not be worrying about low pressure but would look at the guage to determine why it is giving false indication.
Tony

I just experienced the same thing with the 216 in my 1951 1 Ton. After ten years of driving and worrying about my "low oil pressure" I discovered that it was the gauge that was at fault!

Something I was taught several decades ago and have verified numerous times since is try the quickest and least expensive fix first. Don't assume anything even if the parts are "new" or worked last time. Also trace back to try and determine what has changed since it was last operating properly. Those steps have saved me a ton of money and time.

I once had a Ford van that had dropping oil pressure. Thought it was rod, main or cam bearings. Dropped the pan after having to remove or move other parts. Checked the bearings. All okay. Then discovered it was the sending unit for the oil pressure gauge. Was happy it was not a major problem but not happy about spending all that time and money on the wrong "fix".

Thank you all for the input. I did follow Chevgene's advice after remembering that the second gauge in question had hit the floor once or twice. So I found a 3rd gauge to try, all these were remotes. And now things are looking better.
I did not have the dash gauge connected yet, so I will see how that works, hopefully tomorrow. Maybe I will tee in the gauge that works so I can compare.
Next is gen issues, a leaky front main seal, and a leaking trans drain plug. But the list is actually quite longer.
Thank you again for passing on your help, ideas and experiences,

Steve

Front main seal? What is that?

What are the issues with the generator?

Sounds like he has oil leaking from the timing cover.