91sport_tn

So I took the car out las week, I get down the road a bit and I swear I hear a ticking. I looked down at the oil pressure gauge and it is straight down. I pulled it over at a gas station and I hear an obvious knocking.I know the car burns a little oil so im freaking out thinking that i got too low. I get some oil to top it off and its not very low, but the knock is still there so I rush it back home and let it sit for a while. start it back up and its still ticking and there is still no reading on the gauge.

What could this be? Im really not looking forward to replacing the oil pump in the driveway and I would like to check any other possibilities before I attempt it.

thanks guys.

Tony71502

Describe the ticking. That sounds like rocker arms with the little description you gave.

Check your electricals. Oil pressure sensor may be bad.

I have replaced the oil pump and pan in my driveway, it's a PITA. Pump is alot easier than the pan. If you have to do it... Unbolt the engine mounts from the K-member, loosen the tranny mounts, and lift the engine up with an engine hoist. Unbolt the pan and let it rest on the K-member, then replace the pump. It's been a long time, but u may have to pull the dizzy and the pump driveshaft to replace the pump. Make sure you mark the dizzy if you do to make assembly easier. Also, you may have to unbolt exhaust parts.

91sport_tn

the ticking, I do not know how to describe it exactly, valve train chatter? like the normal sound in the heads with the volume turned up. Its one of those sounds I have always associated with low oil.

is it possible something is wrong with the shaft that drives the pump? I wouldn't expect the oil pump to just suddenly stop, but this is the first time I have had anything like this happen.

As for changing the pump, I do not have access to a hoist at the house. Just something to further complicate the process.

Tony71502

The pump shaft is basically a hexagonal piece of metal. Similar to a straight allen key, I would think it has not gone bad.

What viscosity oil are you using?

rmodel65

5.0's have weak oil pump shafts...put it at top dead center mark the dizzy and remove it...prime the pump and see if you get pressure..you might have sheared the shaft

91sport_tn

We pulled the distributor today to check the shaft and we couldn't get it out. We tried every tool we could fit down there. We could feel around with a magnet and grab something, but when we would try to pull it out, it would drop back down. could the shaft have popped up out of place or stripped or something like that?

Also, it is way down in there, not sticking out. that is not right is it?

eb2gt

take a picture of your shaft so we can tell.

javila2468

a few things come into mind when getting low oil pressure. clogged oil passages, broken/weak oil drive shaft or weak/seized oil pump. I had the exact same issue a few days back. don't run your car anymore unless you want mess up the motor.

rmodel65

lol..

Five0hFox

I have to ask, you thought you were having oil pressure issues/no pressure, yet you drove it home...?