Oil Pressure

[CHRI1111]

Irrespective of whether these bearings are highly worn or not I'll probably just replace them anyway whilst I have it all open.

With regards to the oil pump has the loss of oil pressure perhaps caused the wear circled which seems to be from the outer rotar?

Chris

 

[cliffcoggin]

The shells look pretty poor and in need of renewal, but the big end journals are unmarked. Nevertheless it would be worth measuring the journal diameters with a micrometer at several points to ensure they are still round and parallel. The chances are that the crankshaft main bearings are in similar condition so they need to be inspected.

The oil pump has a mark where the rotor has scuffed it. Whether that is enough to cause a pressure reduction depends on how much end float the rotor has. You would need to measure that end float and compare it to specification to be certain. Check also the amount of side play in the pump bearings while it is open, and look at its drive shaft to ensure it is undamaged.

Given the state of the bearings and the low compression you ought to pull the pistons out and inspect the bores and the rings. There's no point repairing the bottom of the engine without fixing the top as well.

If all the above is in need of repair you are heading for a very expensive repair which will cost several times the value of the car. That is fine if money is no object, just as long as you are prepared for it.

[CHRI1111]

Thanks Cliff,

Will it be expensive though as it will be only be the cost of replacement materials (no labour cost).

I've ordered a replacement oil pump as I can't see the low oil pressure warning light is being caused by anything else? (I've replaced the sensor and filter, and performed a couple of engine flushes - unless I have an oil passageway blockage...). I should probably replace the chain and tensioner but I really don't want to have to remove the timing cover!!

I was contemplating checking the cylinder bores next. I don't want to have to remove the cylinder head if I can help it, though; can I simply crank the engine and pull the pistons and connecting rods out the bottom?

If the condition of the bores are OK I will replace the piston rings. If the bores aren't though or the journals are in poor condition I will scrap the car as I can't justify pulling the engine to rebore the cylinders and replace the crank and or connecting rods.