The ticking is a sure sign of inadequate oil pressure, as you probably
realize. Depending on the mileage on this engine, it may be time for a
lower end rebuild, but before you do that, remove the oil filter adapter and
clean the bejabbers out of everything you can see from there. Change the
oil to straight SAE 30W (not 10W30 and especially not 5W30!). Buy a WIX or
NAPA (not "Silverline, get their best grade) oil filter and install it.
This may get you down the road for a few more miles, but my crystal ball
tells me there is a pan dropping in your future!
It is possible that your oil pressure relief valve is sticking open, but to
find out about it you have to remove it and inspect it. You might as well
check the oil pump and bearings at the same time.
Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Daniel M Wing" <imp1983@xxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2003 8:05 AM
Subject: IML: Oil pressure . . . help!
> OK, my turn to ask for help.
>
> I was finally able to take my 83 out for a spin Friday!!
> Yay!
>
> Here's what happened. It started right up, and
> I let her idle for a couple of minutes. (I last drove
> it around on Halloween. It's been in the garage
> since. I did start it up a couple of times during the winter.)
>
> The last time I ran it, I noticed a slight 'ticking' noise
> but it went away.
>
> So, on my drive Friday things went fine at first.
> I took her out on the highway and cruised
> for about 3 miles, and then turned around. On the
> way back I decided that I would give it the gas
> and stepped on it. I noticed the usual blackish
> cloud out the back but she took right off.
>
> Then, just a quarter mile from home the oil light
> started to flicker on, slowly getting stronger
> until it finally stayed on as I coasted into the
> driveway. I could here that 'ticking' noise
> again, so I shut it off.
>
> I checked for obvious leaks - none. I checked
> the oil level- fine.
>
> I started it up again, and the ticking was there
> but the oil light did not come on. I used the
> old 'broomstick to the ear' trick and tried different
> spots around the engine until I could hear the
> ticking at the right front on the valve cover. As
> I was listening, the ticking faded away and she
> was running smooth.
>
> So, I pulled out onto the road, and no problem.
> I went down the street and then stopped and let
> it idle. No ticking, no oil light. I turned around
> and gave it the gas again.
>
> Sure enough the ticking came back and the light
> flickered back on.
>
> HELP. I looked in the FSM. One possible cause
> is a clogged oil filter. Could it be that simple?
>
> I sure hope it's not major, as I have never done
> any major engine work.
>
> Any ideas? (I will probably change the oil and
> filter ASAP anyway.)
>
> Dan Wing
> Marcy, NY USA
>
> imp1983@xxxxxxxx
>
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