Oil Pressure Drop

[Anonymous]

I just rebuilt the bottom end of my 200, but thought I'd save a few bucks and not replace the oil pump. On top of that, I did a crappy job in stalling the pan gasket (overtightened) and now it's leakin g a fair amount of oil. I seemed to have decent pressure before the rebuild, but now I have almost none. Is it possible that the leak is causing this lack of pressure? The pump was within tolerance when I checked it. Even if it's working now I will replace the pump eventually, but is it possible that I would get decent oil pressure by putting a new pan gasket on and bolting it up right? Also, what sealant works best with cork gaskets?

Thanks,
-Josh

 

[Anonymous]

I'm hoping to pick up the gaskets this afternoon and get this done if it will help. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Anonymous]

I don't see how the pan gasket could affect your oil pressure. Did you prime the pump by removing the distributor and turning the oilpump driveshaft. See if you can get any pressure by doing that. Good luck

 

[addo]

If the sump's coming off, good time to check the seal of the pickup tube for airtightness, and pack the pump with moly grease. Maybe pull it and check the bypass shuttle valve first.

 

[Anonymous]

You said you rebuilt the bottom end, did you make sure you had the correct bearings. If the crank was turned .010 or .020 and standard bearings were installed there would be little pressure. Unlikely situation but it could happen.