No oil supply to heads!

[hissin'98]

OK OK. I just got my car back together. I installed new heads, cam, valvetrain and and new oil pump from thunder racing. It started intantly but sounded like it was missing and squeaking. Definetly valve train sounds. It ran for a brief time, about 30 seconds and I shut it off. I looked and started again for another 30 seconds. 40psi oil pressure. I pulled the valve cover off the drivers side and the valve train was bone dry. No oil in sight. This doens't make sense to me. I was watching the gauge the entire time which was pushing 40psi all the time which means that there is oil to the engine block but nothing going up the pushrods to the lifters. WHAT IS GOING ON?

[ninobrn99]

did you put the gaskets on the right way?

[hissin'98]

yes, they are marked "this side up" and "front"

I know they are on the right way. It doesn't make sense to me.

[hissin'98]

Is there anyone that can explain or help me?

[Hi-Po]

Definatley sounds like you put gaskets on wrong. Check again maybe

[hissin'98]

Well I got working on it again today and got thinking that there is no reason there shouldn't be oil to the rockers if I have 40psi at idle. I pulled the driver side cover off and started it and let it run for about three minutes and finally, oil started poping out of the holes! Don't know why it took so long but it did and everything is working. I knew the gaskets and the oil pump o ring was on the right way, and if it wasn't then I wouldn't have had pressure.

Now I just need to get my computer tuned a bit and it's ready to go!

[HASTINGSRJ]

glad you fixed it.....

[BlackHawk T/A]

You should lube the valvetrain by pouring oil on it before starting for the first time.

[hissin'98]

You should lube the valvetrain by pouring oil on it before starting for the first time.

Oh I did. I used 3in1 oil and lubed all the needle bearings, tips and pushrod holes. And the horrible noise was a rocker hitting a rivet in the cover that was poking down about 1/4 inch.

[BlackHawk T/A]

Ah...from your posts it sounded like they were dry.

[1QuikWS6]

Sounded as if the lifters were installed dry to me also. Prior to installing hydraulic lifters they should be immersed in oil to allow them to totally fill prior to startup. The oil to the top end must travel from the oil passage in the block, into the lifter, out the hole in top of lifter, thru pushrod, then sprays over rocker arms.

The oil pressure in the lifter also serves to help maintain your 'pump up' for correct valvetrain geometry/clearances.

I do also save (1) qt. of oil from fill to pour completely over all components under valve covers prior to startup - course this is going with the expectation that you will fire the engine shortly after dowsing - and not let engine set for couple hrs/days before firing up...