[Healeys] No oil pressure--conclusion

[Michael Oritt]

Just now I pulled off the K&N, removed the spark plugs and spun the motor
over. After about 15-20 seconds of cranking I could see a good stream of
oil coming out of the port in the oil filter adapter and the needle came of
the peg. I put a new filter on, reinstalled the plugs and VOILA--oil
pressure! Collective wisdom is that with an engine that has some miles on
it no damage should have been done to bearing surfaces, rings and bores,
etc. during the minute or so of running without oil pressure yesterday and
I certainly hope that will be borne out in real life.

As I said in an earlier post I have heard of oil pumps losing prime when
they have sat for a while without oil in them. However no more than 30
minutes elapsed between the time I drained the oil and went to restart
yesterday and I am quite surprised by the oil pump's inability to reprime
itself. I have probably changed the oil and filter in the same manner 10-15
times over the years and while there is always a first time for everything
I believe the message is that the lower end of the engine and pump need to
be closely inspected for clearances and new parts installed as necessary.

I performed the oil/filter change yesterday because in about ten days my
wife and I plan on taking a trip down to the North Carolina Outer Banks and
then on to Wilmington NC to celebrate our second anniversary. So I'll hope
for a successful and uneventful trip and for sure the car will be up on
stands immediately upon my return.

Thanks to all of you for the good advice and patience. This list continues
to be a great resource!

Best--Michael Oritt
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