In a message dated 96-07-09 22:31:39 EDT, you write:
<< Yesterday, when I started the car (which started rather slowly...almost
like
the motor was sluggish turning over - battery OK), the car ran slightly
rougher than normal. With slight choke the psi was 50, 1/2 the normal
starting psi. After a couple minutes, not even warm, no choke, the psi
dropped to 15-20 psi. I removed the oil cap, revved the motor, and no oil
seemed to be reaching the rocker arm. Revving the motor to 4,500 rpm
resulted
in a psi no higher than 50. >>
Dave,
First thing you gotta do is run a mechanical test with an external gauge.
I've used a simple air tank pressure gauge (0-120 lbs) on a section of hose
with a 5/16-24 hose barb fitting on the other end of the hose. If that's a
problem, any shop worth its salt will have a professional model.
Make sure you've got a real engine problem before you start to worry. If the
external gauge reading matches the dash gauge, drop the sump and check the
oil pump screen for garbage. From there the options get more serious.
Hopefully, a replacement oil pump will get you back up and running.
Good luck,
Charlie B.
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