Exp. engine rebuilders...

jabgen1 · 10-03-2009, 02:06 PM

I need to vent. Looking for opinions B4 I burn this truck to the ____ ground!

This is by far not the first rebuild Ive done in my life time. But, this is the first time Ive had a problem w/a newly rebuilt engine out of the last 22yrs.

1976 Ford 360ci FE engine, had 155,000 miles on it B4 rebuild. Full engine build done, to factory spec's...I thought. Without getting into full detail on whats been done unless you want to know....(and yes, I plastigauged the mains/rod bearings, and mic'd/check all clearances B4 reassembly)

Since I first fired the engine up after full rebuild, its always had LOW oil PSI. We are talking 4 to 8 PSI at idle (in park) no more than 20-22 PSI at high RPM. AFTER fully warmed, can and has developed valve tap (occationally, as in every now & then only for moments at a time) that comes and goes but doesnt get excessivly loud.

First ran 10w-30. Then tried 10w-40. Still low PSI. I started to get worried. Dropped the exhaust, unbolted the engine, raised her up and installed its Second- new oil pump. In hopes that I recieved a faulty pump. Buttoned it back up, new pump installed, w/10w-40. Same PSI! Just changed the oil out AGAIN to straight 30 weight, thinking this has GOT to make a diff....NOPE. SAME PSI!

Now Im thinking the cam bearings musta got wiped out on start up. Can/is this possible??? Even if the cam bearings are toast, wouldnt straight 30w oil make a LITLLE difference?? Im really ticked, I paid the machine shop over$3000.00 for the work, gaskets and related components. BUT, I never used this particular machine shop before.

IYHO....can wiped out cam bearings really drop the PSI that much, even with the heavier w-oil???

ANY Ford F.E. engine guru's out here to chime in??? Im really perturbed that I think I may have to pull this heavy a$$d engine out again and search for the culpret! HELP!!!! Its appreciated!!!!!!!!

Blue Oval Forever · 10-03-2009, 03:23 PM

Just a thought. Are you sure all the oil plugs were put back in?

Also are you replacing the Filter when you change the oil? and what brand Filter are you using.

MJ351 · 10-03-2009, 04:01 PM

Amen bobby, I am thinking a galley plug got left out.

Doesnt the FE have an oil feed to the rocker arms? If a galley plug was left out it would explain the low oil pressure and the valve train noise.

MJ351 · 10-03-2009, 04:10 PM

First, you are going to want to double check the location of those oil bolts. Here's a diagram:

OilGalleries5.jpg

If those are in the correct place, I would take a look at your oil pump. Maybe pick up an old pump shaft and see if you can turn the pump manually or with a drill. If you turn in CCW you should see oil flowing.

HeavyD393 · 10-03-2009, 08:43 PM

Ya, for reals, check the upper end to even see if you're getting oil. I missed the top one being out, it wasn't even included in the plug kit, and I wasn't getting more than 20psi, then it shot up to 60 on the drill when I got the last plug in

jabgen1 · 10-04-2009, 12:53 PM

Thats exactly what Ive also been thinking, a gallery plug left out. But I didnt remove/reinstall them. The machine shop Supposedly did. I thought Id seen them all in, I usually triple check everything but surly cant be 100% at this point. I know the rocker bolts are all in the correct place, I made sure of that. And oil is flowing to the top end/rocker shafts, but if its as much as it should be I do not know.

Im on my second new, not rebuilt, oil pump in only 300 miles trying to rectify the problem. Ive double and triple checked the pick up, pick up tube, new dist & pump shaft. I always pre-prime my engines with my HD drill and a shaft tool before I fire em up for the first time or if they have been sitting for a long time. Every time I did; I changed the oil And the filters. Ive spent ALOT on diff oil and new filters!

I need to look at that diagram posted again but, how many oil gallery plugs should there be and where are they all suppose to be at?

I totally appreciate all the input fom y'all!! thnx

greenstang · 10-05-2009, 05:30 AM

It's been a while since I've done anything with an FE but didn't they have a pressure relief spring in the center oil gallery?

jabgen1 · 10-07-2009, 09:51 AM

I dont quite remember. Im in the process of repulling the engine for tear down now. Hoping its something simple not drastic. Thanx again guys .

mitchykins · 10-14-2009, 12:05 PM

check gallery plug behind cam sprocket I think i remember a special plug that oils the cam chain
<Mitch

jabgen1 · 10-14-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchykins

check gallery plug behind cam sprocket I think i remember a special plug that oils the cam chain
<Mitch

Very good, I will do that ...thanx!

In fact Im thinking of a partial dissasembly before goin ahead and fully pulling the engine back out. Maybe pull the water pump / front cover / timing chain and cam first.

MOTORCITY · 10-26-2009, 11:46 AM

Sounds like the cam bearings are in wrong.

jabgen1 · 10-26-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOTORCITY

Sounds like the cam bearings are in wrong.

Thats what Im hoping its not........but we shall see. Thanx man.

Bucking_bronco · 10-29-2009, 11:06 PM

i'd say bearings in wrong, or clogged oil galleys. have you replaced the oil pimp AND the pickup for it? maybe the pickup is clogged up....

10-03-2009, 02:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
jabgen1 Regular User Paid Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bristol, PA Posts: 524 NLOC member #: 1608 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Exp. engine rebuilders... I need to vent. Looking for opinions B4 I burn this truck to the ____ ground! This is by far not the first rebuild Ive done in my life time. But, this is the first time Ive had a problem w/a newly rebuilt engine out of the last 22yrs. 1976 Ford 360ci FE engine, had 155,000 miles on it B4 rebuild. Full engine build done, to factory spec's...I thought. Without getting into full detail on whats been done unless you want to know....(and yes, I plastigauged the mains/rod bearings, and mic'd/check all clearances B4 reassembly) Since I first fired the engine up after full rebuild, its always had LOW oil PSI. We are talking 4 to 8 PSI at idle (in park) no more than 20-22 PSI at high RPM. AFTER fully warmed, can and has developed valve tap (occationally, as in every now & then only for moments at a time) that comes and goes but doesnt get excessivly loud. First ran 10w-30. Then tried 10w-40. Still low PSI. I started to get worried. Dropped the exhaust, unbolted the engine, raised her up and installed its Second- new oil pump. In hopes that I recieved a faulty pump. Buttoned it back up, new pump installed, w/10w-40. Same PSI! Just changed the oil out AGAIN to straight 30 weight, thinking this has GOT to make a diff....NOPE. SAME PSI! Now Im thinking the cam bearings musta got wiped out on start up. Can/is this possible??? Even if the cam bearings are toast, wouldnt straight 30w oil make a LITLLE difference?? Im really ticked, I paid the machine shop over$3000.00 for the work, gaskets and related components. BUT, I never used this particular machine shop before. IYHO....can wiped out cam bearings really drop the PSI that much, even with the heavier w-oil??? ANY Ford F.E. engine guru's out here to chime in??? Im really perturbed that I think I may have to pull this heavy a$$d engine out again and search for the culpret! HELP!!!! Its appreciated!!!!!!!!

10-03-2009, 08:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
HeavyD393 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Carbondale, IL Posts: 82 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Ya, for reals, check the upper end to even see if you're getting oil. I missed the top one being out, it wasn't even included in the plug kit, and I wasn't getting more than 20psi, then it shot up to 60 on the drill when I got the last plug in __________________ We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready to do violence on those who wish to harm us. 393, 35-514-8, Eddy RPM ported, Motorsport headers, Bassani catless Y-pipe, Bassani sidepipes, Mass air...TKO 5sp!!!!

10-05-2009, 05:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
greenstang Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: piketon ohio Posts: 1,052 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	It's been a while since I've done anything with an FE but didn't they have a pressure relief spring in the center oil gallery? __________________ Black 95L 9.38@74.14 1/8 mile Red 93L no ET- yet White 94L would be a set

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10-03-2009, 03:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Blue Oval Forever Gen 1 Salvage Yard Owner Paid Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Gretna,Louisiana U.S. Posts: 12,304 NLOC member #: 500 View this user's gallery iTrader: 50 / 100%	Just a thought. Are you sure all the oil plugs were put back in? Also are you replacing the Filter when you change the oil? and what brand Filter are you using.

10-03-2009, 04:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
MJ351 L Fest 5 Cost $ 62,189.02 Paid Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: California(A Littile Place In the Middle Of Nowhere) Posts: 2,280 NLOC member #: 1174 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Amen bobby, I am thinking a galley plug got left out. Doesnt the FE have an oil feed to the rocker arms? If a galley plug was left out it would explain the low oil pressure and the valve train noise.

10-03-2009, 04:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
MJ351 L Fest 5 Cost $ 62,189.02 Paid Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: California(A Littile Place In the Middle Of Nowhere) Posts: 2,280 NLOC member #: 1174 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	First, you are going to want to double check the location of those oil bolts. Here's a diagram: OilGalleries5.jpg If those are in the correct place, I would take a look at your oil pump. Maybe pick up an old pump shaft and see if you can turn the pump manually or with a drill. If you turn in CCW you should see oil flowing.

10-04-2009, 12:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
jabgen1 Regular User Paid Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bristol, PA Posts: 524 NLOC member #: 1608 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Thats exactly what Ive also been thinking, a gallery plug left out. But I didnt remove/reinstall them. The machine shop Supposedly did. I thought Id seen them all in, I usually triple check everything but surly cant be 100% at this point. I know the rocker bolts are all in the correct place, I made sure of that. And oil is flowing to the top end/rocker shafts, but if its as much as it should be I do not know. Im on my second new, not rebuilt, oil pump in only 300 miles trying to rectify the problem. Ive double and triple checked the pick up, pick up tube, new dist & pump shaft. I always pre-prime my engines with my HD drill and a shaft tool before I fire em up for the first time or if they have been sitting for a long time. Every time I did; I changed the oil And the filters. Ive spent ALOT on diff oil and new filters! I need to look at that diagram posted again but, how many oil gallery plugs should there be and where are they all suppose to be at? I totally appreciate all the input fom y'all!! thnx

10-07-2009, 09:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
jabgen1 Regular User Paid Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bristol, PA Posts: 524 NLOC member #: 1608 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	I dont quite remember. Im in the process of repulling the engine for tear down now. Hoping its something simple not drastic. Thanx again guys .

10-14-2009, 12:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
mitchykins Registered User Paid Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: ponoka alberta Posts: 207 NLOC member #: 2281 View this user's gallery iTrader: 5 / 100%	check gallery plug behind cam sprocket I think i remember a special plug that oils the cam chain <Mitch

10-26-2009, 11:46 AM	#11 (permalink)
MOTORCITY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: SARDIS ARKANSAS Posts: 448 View this user's gallery iTrader: 2 / 100%	Sounds like the cam bearings are in wrong.

10-29-2009, 11:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
Bucking_bronco Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 13 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	i'd say bearings in wrong, or clogged oil galleys. have you replaced the oil pimp AND the pickup for it? maybe the pickup is clogged up....