Matt IFBA

I just installed a 396 stroker and thought I had everything correct. Went to start it and the oil pressure was 0. Put a manual gauge on it and its the same as the dash reading of 0.

I pulled the pan and double checked the pump, pickup and that the drive rod was fully seated, but it still reads the same.
Help....

Matt

chuckd4more

Did you prime the oil pump?

Matt IFBA

If I have to ask how to do it does that imply a no.......

chuckd4more

I havent done it on an lt1. Used to do it through distributor shaft location. Do a search on priming pump and you might come across some good info as I remember reading about it on here this board

showinoff

sounds like you didnt completely seat the oil pump drive gear. It seats similar to the optispark, its all or nothing.....close doesnt get it. pop your intake off, and see if the drive (back passenger side of galley) hasn't spun 270*. If so, it will need to be replaced, and you will need to check gear of cam. get a friend to turn crank while you hold mirror looking down hole. do a good sweep (magnet) and drain oil (check for shavings). fill again w/ cheap oil, now prime pump by turning oil pump drive shaft which is in the hole that the torn up gear drive was in. drain oil and change filter. (check again for shavings) if no shavings, put desired oil in, replace oil pump drive gear, re-install intake, crank it up, check pressure....should be good to go.
(taking the intake off and checking this takes 30 minutes plus or minus. that beats lifting motor to remove oil pan only to discover your oil pump is fine)

Billy D.

shoebox

I would pull the intake and check the oil pump drive assy. You can also prime the engine with the old SBC type prime tool and a drill while you have access.