37 DICTATOR troubles

[fh929]

My 37 Dictator was rebuilt 4 years ago. ran great . Now the last two times I had it out, the oil pressure starts at between 40 and 50 lb. after about 6 miles it starts to drop to almost nothing. not all at once but slow. nothing in the oil but oil. If I let it set over night it will be back to 40 at start up again. can any one help? It was to be in a movie vid. next sat ! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for any help

Frank

[Guest stude8]

Have you tried to connect a different gauge to the engine and see if it gives the same readings?

If it is not a defective gauge reading and actually pressure is declining with heat and operation I would suspect the timing gear idle oil pressure bypass valve is sticking in its bore, this can result from long periods of sitting unused or some debris in the oil has caused it to stick in the bypass condition.

It is located on the right side of engine cylinder block behind the timing gear case. It will be inside the large (7/8" hex ?) threaded hex head bolt with a locknut that adjusts the bypass piston travel by threading further in or out and then is locked in that position with the locknut.

A shop manual will explain the method of adjustment but with engine shut off, if you count the threads exposed at this time and unlock the locknut then remove the adjusting bolt (Count the turns when removing to replace it at the same setting later) then try to slide the spring and piston out for examination and cleaning you may discover sludge or other debris that causes it not to slide in and out freely. It may require a magnetic tool to drag it out of its cavity but if it is stuck in the extreme penetration position that may be your problem. Stude8

[fh929]

thanks for the info. I did find some of the coating that was used to seal small leaks in the oil pan. I am going to try to replace the oil relief valve. My shop man. does not tell how to adj. it, at least not that I can find. Looking for a better pan or better way to fix mine. Have had the coupe since 1972. got it on the road in 2002. lots of little troubles since. wil let ya know how I make out. Thanks again

Frank