Oil pressure problems (update)
 

Just something that happened to me recently that I might share.. The other day I started up my car and I noticed the oil light came on. I was a bit shocked and was like ok, maybe I'm a little low on oil. Checked, and it was perfect. So now I'm kind of freaking out thinking what might of happened. The engine is making no noise what so ever. So I take off my oil feed line and start it up. NO Pressure! ok, so we definatly have a big problem. I take the DP's off and drop the pan to inspect the pick up tube, everything looks clear no blockages. I kept thinking ok, maybe my GSR pump went bad... But how is it possible for a crank driven pump to simply just loose ALL oil pressure unless the gear broke off inside (then you would hear something). Even if the housing and gears have alot of wear you will still get some oil pressure. Antoher tech in the shop said its possible the oil relief spring/plunger may have got jammed up and is bleeding down. This is the only thing it could be, So I took the 10mm allen port off the bottom, and the spring came flying out like a mad pinball. I shoved my finger up there and tried to get the plunger to come down but it was stuck! I finally got it to come down and I found a small piece of materal (chunk of dirt or something) that was jamming it up! So I blew the pump out with brake cleaner and blew though all the oil passages the best I could, re-assembled everything and started it back up... and walah perfect oil pressure.

Cliff notes,

When assembling a engine w/ a used oil pump tear the pump down completely, clean the ---- out of it and inspect for wear.

I guess thats why I called it the flat-rate b18 ;) just thought I would share because I have never seen this happen before.

Jeff

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

wow, that's good that you found it. I don't want to be using used parts, I'm trying to avoid this type of problem.

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

well jeff, me and a few friends noticed occasionally if you turn really hard or ebrake turn somthing or get into a spin, the oil light will come on and stay on even though the car is running (so then ill kill the engine) then restart and somtimes the oil light will stay on for a few min of starting/shutting down due to oil pressure. So far only my accord and a 91 lude seem to do this... what gives?

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

haha Abaz uses the Idiot light!

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

I use it? uhm ya its apart of the factory wiring for that car like almost every cars. No, I dont have mack daddy electronic oil pressure gauge, nor do I have a shitty ass mechanical one. (which are illegal to use at some race tracks)

Water temp, and oil pressure should always be good if you know how to build a engine.

I monitor 2 things only, Wideband 02 (air fuel) and boost.

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

I was just ------ with ya. I rely on that ---- too. Oil guages are hella cheap though so I'm defenitly going to pick one up soon.

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

The last motor I built ran until I sold the car. No oil light, but the strange thing was everytime I would go to change the oil filter, it was dry and brand new looking. Car ran, no light, no oil through filter. ???
Good thing it's driving around in Idaho now. ;)

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

THIS IS ------- WEIRD!! I have the exact same problem. Went to the movies tonight, came out and started the car, oil light was on. Check the oil, perfect! Take the feed line off, not a drop of oil comming out. Shut the car off and tow it to my buddies shop.

We replaced the oil pan gasket yesterday and my friend had an idea of using that orange/redish gasket compound to hold the gasket in place while we bolted it up.. I think some of that ---- got in the oil pan and blocked that plunger thing?? Where do I find this plunger thing to check??

Stan

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

Stan,

Drop the pan, (if b-series take off the windage tray) and then take off the oil pick up tube. There will be a small little plug, about the size of a quarter or nickle w/ allen head on it (on the bottom) not the test port off the back of the pump by the alternator.

So, take this allen head plug off and a spring will come out. Also, a little plunger/piston will be up in there, shove your pinky up there and try to get it to come out. Once its out, get some fine fine emory cloth and clean it off good, so its smooth. Then take off your oil pressure sender on the back of the block. Spray brake cleaner through the oil pick up hole really good. Then just blow some compressed air (air nozzel w/ air compressor) to blow through that passage. Just so everything is cleaned out real good.

good luck, and IM if ya got any questions.


Jeff

Re:Oil pressure problems
 

;)