my 1984 240 turbo is developing oil pressure problems and I was wondering if it has happened to others. 200k+ miles and the oil pressure slowly drops while driving. oil light comes on at red lights, pressure diminishes to 15-20 while driving. I have replaced the oil pump and rod bushings and the problem went away but has returned within 2 months. Scared to drive it. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

 

Red Blocks rarely need complete overhaul unless they get to many, many more miles... Still, hard to say "never".

I'd eliminate a faulty switch/wiring as the cause but it sounds like the indications are indeed of low oil pressure.

Make sure you are using the correct oil grade, you may want to try a little heavier oil from what you have in there now. If all that doesn't help, take a compression test to determine the overall condition of the motor, go from there...

 

Thanks, lev, for the feedback. I've already changed out the oil for something heavier, but no real change. Is there anything else that would factor in? New oil pump, new bushings, an inspection of the crank ends finds them within specs, where else might I be losing pressure? IPD suggests that it might be the o-rings between the sump and upper area but noted that in such a relatively simple system, there is little else involved. Is that reasonable?

 

One of the members here had that problem....new oil pump and either forgot to install one of the o-rings or pinched it while installing it and had no oil pressure ......he had to do the job again to replace/re-do the o-ring....

add some Rislone Oil Stabilizer or Lucas....

 

Yes! Those O rings are crucial--make sure they are right! I can't think of anyhting else for your low pressure...

 

Thanks for the feedback. looks like o-rings could be the problem. On the off chance it's something else, could the oil sensor (which I have not replaced) or the gauge provide faulty information as described? indicating a slow loss of pressure as the engine warms? Before spending like a sailor for the o-rings....(no offense to the nautically inclined)

 

Yeah that me was me analogies!!!!! Damn O-rings. One wasn't seated and the other got pinched.

Here is the pic:



My other issue was the feed tube, might want to check that, mine was bent (probably from my own doing) which meant the o-ring wouldn't seat right now matter what I did.