Hey Guy's, I'm in need of some help... Just recently had a 1963 Cadillac 390ci rebuilt by a local machine shop. We primed the engine/oil pump with a drill and got 30-35psi, continued on to break in the motor and when we started it there was 0psi. I double checked everything and eventually pulled off the oil pump cover, checked it out, cleaned everything and packed with ***embly grease. Started it up, and had 30-35psi... I figured we were in there clear now. The next day I went to run the engine, and no oil pressure. I went through the same steps again and repacked the oil pumped... Started it up, and had 30-35psi. Shut it off... Started back up... NO OIL PRESSURE! Long story short I pulled the engine and brought it back to the machine shop where he is telling me he's getting 30-35psi with a drill... And is saying its up to me if I want him to pull the pan and check into it further (thats with me buying gaskets, and possibly paying for more labor???). Going to pick up the engine tomorrow and checking it out myself. Does anyone have some tips... tricks... or troubleshooting info?? Thanks in advance!
This is from the Cadillac Power Website: "Ugh. If you pull the pan, you can cut a gallon jug and tie it up over the pu screen, fill it with oil. You can run the oil pump with a drill and see what a shim does. You'll need a big drip pan, as oil will leak out of everywhere when you run the pump. A big plastic storage container from dollar store, etc. I would pull the relief plunger 1st. It is not uncommon to find them sticking in the replacement pumps for most all brands there days. Soke guys polish the piston and bore in every replacement pump they use these days." Also I ***ume you have a mechanical gauge, not an electrical one which could be malfunctioning. If they installed a replacement pump, then it could be whacked. I re-used my old pump so this wouldn't be a problem.
The 63 Cad 390 is a one-year-only engine. Cadillac figured out real fast they screwed up on this design and revamped the OIL system somewhat for 64 on the "new" 429 engine. They stumbled through with the 429 playing with the oiling system until they could get the 472 in production for 68... Cadillac had a real good engine from 49 to 62. Good Luck on figuring out that 390, I think best to do exactly what CLUNKER suggests.
I'd give these guys a try for an answer: http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/forum Good luck in finding your problem, gotta' be a PITA...and be sure to post your fix!
Go here, they will help you out. http://www.cadillacpower.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8&sid=4c896551407932f31fb3fc535129863e
Thank Guy's! I'll get the motor back and will try these suggestions this weekend... As well as contact modifiedcadillac.org and cadillacpower.com. I will post up what I find.
Update*** Was supposed to pick up the engine Friday but the machinist called and said he had 0psi again! The owner of the machine shop I've been dealing with is out of town for a week and his head machinist said he's going to pull the pan and test some stuff on the house (which they should). I'll update this when I hear what he found.
UPDATE*** So, long story short... When we brought the motor in they said the timing cover was shot and we needed to source a new one. We ended up getting a pristine timing cover out of Texas that appeared to match perfectly. Turns out that the 1964 429ci V8 shared the same timing cover as the 1963 390ci V8. Machinist got a 1964 oil pump and it fit right in. Oil pressure instantly when priming motor. He apologized for not checking the tolerances originally because he would have caught the difference. I'll get it back in this weekend and keep my fingers crossed that the issue is resolved.
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