Oil Pump and, possibly, Rear Main Seal Inspection and Replacement

[Bob Chadwick]

I got the mechanical gauge today. Where would you tap into the block? The instructions say get a T and put both the gauge and old sending unit on it. I haven't looked under the car as I'm at work but suspect that this would put both pieces in the header.

 

[vette-dude]

I believe the oil sending unit is near the distributor on the top of the engine at rear of intake in the block. You just put a pipe nipple in the block with a tee and then mount the oil sending unit and your mechanical gage connection in the tee. There is also a place at the front of the block above the timing gear cover where you can remove the plug and tap in there if you just want a temp connection for the mech. gage. The plugs are just a std. 1/8 pipe plug but are sometimes a booger to get out.

Randy

Glad you got it running.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Thanks Randy. My sending unit is down below which should leave the plug near the distributor free and my best choice.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Yep, Randy's right! Should be an easy install.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Want to get this in and in the shop for balance and rotation tomorrow. Then on Sunday a run on the freeway to see if I have taken care of the vibration and determine if I have an engine or electrical issue on the fluctuating oil pressure.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

but are sometimes a booger to get out.

I'm finding that out. You can't get to them with a wrench and a regular socket won't fit. Is there a special tool or socket that fits these square heads?
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Managed to get it off using a 5/32 cross tool of some sort that I found at ACE.

Have the mechanical gauge in and taped in place on the windshield. I'll take it out this weekend and see if the fluctuations I get on the mechanical gauge are replicated on the mechanical.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Drove it around today. Mechanical gauge read rock sold between 20 and 50psi while the electronic was 40 - 60.

Got some of the rapid needle fluctuations in the electronic as well with the mechanical unmoving at 50.

I suspect I have an electrical issue. I'll have to hunt it down when I get back from Bowling Green.