I just bought a beautiful 73 valiant on ebay. It seems to run well but top end sounds bad and oil pressure idiot light is on. I was hoping it was lying but when I remove the sending unit I can hold my finger over the hole while cranking it with remote starter. I then removed the oil filter and tried again coming straight out of the pump. Same thing. It appears to have a brand new oil pump on it so previous owner was aware of the problem. It does have some oil pressure. probably a few psi.

If my reasoning is correct I've isolated the problem to the pump or the pick up tube. Sound right to you guys? Anyone come across this problem before? Any comments appreciated.

Greg

I have heard of that as well, But I also have a question to add (sorry to hijack).

Is it possible oil passages issues could cause this problem as well? or be a contributing factor...?

Now that I say this it seems stupid.

Pull the oil pump and look at the drive gear, will almost bet it's striped.

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

also want to pull valve cover and make sure the top end is getting oil, might as well check valve lash while you are in there.

I planned to pull the oil pump this morning and check the gear but it looks like the previous owner already replaced it. The engine is freshly painted blue but the pump is bare metal. I will check this anyway before the engine comes out. Thanks

I don't think oil passages could be problem since they are downstream from the pump. I'm getting very little out of the pump.

Looking inside through the oil cap I get the impression that a little oil is making it's way there but not much.

does anyone think the pickup tube is a likely culprit?

Yes, the tube could have a crack, and sucking air.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I do think it is something to do with the pick up. Glad motor is easy to pull. I'll remove oil pump and inspect first. Gotta be one or the other.

Just to be sure you have seen this article:
http://www.slantsix.org/articles/oil-pu ... report.htm

It is risky to run a replacement SL6 oil pump with the drive gear they come with. (most are made from low quality cast iron)
Use a good used gear off an old factory oil pump ( a hign nickel iron) or get a case hardened (carborized) one from me.
DD

Replaced the sending unit and the light is off. I feel dumb. When I was checking pressure while cranking the spark plugs were in and battery low. Just didn't get it cranking fast enough. The car drives like a dream. Thanks guys.

How much oil pressure do you have at warm idle?

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Joshua