RobM
True Classic
RE 1977 Scorpion #1792
Since I made this car roadworthy in 2015, it's had an issue where after 12 hours or so, the oil pump loses its prime. My procedure for starting the engine has always been: pull the spark plugs, crank engine till I get oil pressure (approx 10-12 seconds), then start. It's been a PITA that I've lived with until now. I just dropped the oil pan, removed the oil pump, and could see nothing obviously wrong with the pick up or pump-to-block gasket. However, I put a new gasket on, torqued it to 18 lb ft, reassembled the oil pan, and still have the same problem. The only 2 things remaining that I can attribute the loss of prime to are (1) pressure relief valve is not fully closing or (2) the oil filter mount gasket is allowing air to enter. Do you agree? I hesitated to open up the oil pump since no pump seals seem to be available. Any thoughts on how to solve this? I'm tired of doing this "pull the spark plugs" routine prior to using the car each time. Thanks in advance.
Since I made this car roadworthy in 2015, it's had an issue where after 12 hours or so, the oil pump loses its prime. My procedure for starting the engine has always been: pull the spark plugs, crank engine till I get oil pressure (approx 10-12 seconds), then start. It's been a PITA that I've lived with until now. I just dropped the oil pan, removed the oil pump, and could see nothing obviously wrong with the pick up or pump-to-block gasket. However, I put a new gasket on, torqued it to 18 lb ft, reassembled the oil pan, and still have the same problem. The only 2 things remaining that I can attribute the loss of prime to are (1) pressure relief valve is not fully closing or (2) the oil filter mount gasket is allowing air to enter. Do you agree? I hesitated to open up the oil pump since no pump seals seem to be available. Any thoughts on how to solve this? I'm tired of doing this "pull the spark plugs" routine prior to using the car each time. Thanks in advance.