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Priming new oil pump

mini73

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
969
Just thought I'd update in case anybody goes thru this old thread and has a similar situation as me.....



Drill did not build much resistance at all while priming, but gauge showed plenty of pressure. 60 max and 40 min no matter how slow I ran the drill. Now that I have it running it has great oil pressure. Min 40 even when warmed up at idle.



All is good!


Great. I was just looking at this again this morning. I have had oil pressure since getting the bronco running and driving. With first crank the pressure is about 30 or 40 but while driving I look at the oil gauge and it is reading alittle past 10. I know I have oil and pretty sure I should be seeing more pressure right? I checked my oil pressure sending unit and changed it when I was trying to get it running. Thinking maybe the oil pump might be worn out? I did the oil change last month and put 5 quarts of 30w40 and one quart of marvel mystery oil in it. Just wondering what I can do to get more oil pressure to make me feel better when driving.
 

bmc69

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2004
Messages
11,915
Great. I was just looking at this again this morning. I have had oil pressure since getting the bronco running and driving. With first crank the pressure is about 30 or 40 but while driving I look at the oil gauge and it is reading a little past 10.

Any idea how many miles are on the engine? One of the biggest culprits associated with low oil pressure in that engine is worn/worn out cam bearings. Main and rod bearing wear contributes, of course, but usually to a lesser extent. Pump wear is typically one of the last factors to enter the equation..BUT, you can often gain back "some" pressure by installing a new pump, especially if you install a high-volume pump. Of course that then puts added strain on the pump shaft and distributor.....

There is one other common problem you'll find on older engines....oil pump pickup screen all clogged up with bits of old cam sprocket nylon and crumbled valve seals.
 

mini73

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
969
Any idea how many miles are on the engine? One of the biggest culprits associated with low oil pressure in that engine is worn/worn out cam bearings. Main and rod bearing wear contributes, of course, but usually to a lesser extent. Pump wear is typically one of the last factors to enter the equation..BUT, you can often gain back "some" pressure by installing a new pump, especially if you install a high-volume pump. Of course that then puts added strain on the pump shaft and distributor.....

There is one other common problem you'll find on older engines....oil pump pickup screen all clogged up with bits of old cam sprocket nylon and crumbled valve seals.


The odometer says 10302 miles now. I'm pretty sure the engine has had some sort of rebuild as I see rtv gasket material in some places but not sure when or what was done. It was or running when I bought it this past December but I am now driving it to and from work ( about 8 miles one way). I know the engine probably needs a rebuild but right now I'm trying to figure out what to start on. How hard is it to drop the oil pan to gain access to the oil pump and screen while the motor is still in it? I also need a new oil pan gasket anyways due to it having a very small drip.
 

mini73

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2013
Messages
969
I guess I need to get a good mechanical gauge first and hook it up to the motor to start troubleshooting. Where's I good place to get a good mechanical oil pressure gauge locally?
 

broncobilly72

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
349
Easy way to check if oil pump is working: Take off you oil filter, and place a big drain pan under it. Start priming and if oil starts running into the pan you are good to go. How do I know this? i forgot to put the filter on and ended up with a quart or so of new oil on the garage floor!
 
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