Low oil pressure in ZL-1

[iluv69s]

[ QUOTE ]
WOW... Can some people not read ???? AIR IN OIL...NOT WATER
BB head problems with studs and bolts are common.... This is NOT

[/ QUOTE ]

WOWWW is correct.....Ive been out of the country this past week and have not been on this site...or the net for that matter.I must first say that I am very disappointed at the response to my attempt to suggest a possible reason for this problem.I am the first to say that I am the furthest thing from a mechanic and I even qualified my suggestion as probably not the problem.It is rather unbelievable to me that a person asks to keep the ideas coming and then I am treated as if I am an idiot when I try and help by suggesting a possible solution.

I have no expertise whatsoever mechanically, only my personal experience....fact..when I blew a head gasket in my car years ago, the water mixed with the oil and "the oil was foaming and the oil pressure continued to drop" as that was the way I realized the problem...
Another fact..."Yes I can read" and I have reread this thread a few times and cannot seem to see where it was stated that "the problem was air mixing with the oil"... or did I miss that part??
Another fact...head bolt/stud problems are common, agreed, but I do not believe that the 4 extra studs on the ZL1 motor can be very common as these motors are not so common. Or am I incorrect and all of you have come across ZL1 motors that the professional mechanics/engine builders forgot to put in the extra studs??

I have in the past had some conversations with fellow site members when I was not happy or had a problem for whatever reason...but ALWAYS in a private matter.

I will definitely hesitate to add my .02 in the future even if I am 100% sure I can help. ....I sincerely apologize for wasting everyone here`s time with my suggestion.

And not that I need to be stuck up for, but thanks 427KING, and others for your efforts.

once again, I quote....WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[JoeG]

You weren't wasting my time---It was good you put your iron in the fire to try and help with the problem...As for the sarcastic comments made by someone else.........Who gives a ##%^ about that.........The issue is to help a member............

[iluv69s]

Believe me Joe.....these comments dont bother me in the least...Life is way too short!!!!

I just hope people realize what a great resource this site is and that certain comments and attitudes only help to diminish the quality and quantity of information that comes forth. I have been greatly educated and helped on many occasions because of this site and its members....




..and I do wish luck to the owner on figuring the problem quickly and getting that aluminum beast melting those tires!!!!

[BUIZILLA]

does the distributor body require an o-ring at the cam tunnel?

[Alss]

[ QUOTE ]
does the distributor body require an o-ring at the cam tunnel?

[/ QUOTE ]

dont know..using a MSD distributor though..it comes with two O rings but states that they are for motors with a beveled dist mount..this on is machined at a 90 deg angle so I dont think it uses any..please tell me if I am wrong!!

Well, was at the machine shop till late..and verified in front of the machinist that there is only 28 psi cold..pulled the pump and tested it in a bucket of oil(from the motor) and it made almost 80 psi!..and nearly twisted the drill out of his hands..pump is a Melling HV unit...bearings look good nothing out of the ordinary for a motor with only an hour on it..has us both scratching our heads.he tearing the whole motor down later today or on Monday and we are researching the oilong system to see what we have missed..has to be something. Thanks for everyones help and patience

ALbert

[beater68427]

I have used hundreads of Jeff's distributors, and have even done some articles on them years ago, They are a good piece, I like to run the upper o ring and not the lower and I also like to cut a .010 groove in the lower to give the cam gear a little extra oiling on roller cams. Also use assembly lube on new gears icluding cam gear and distributor gear.

[BUIZILLA]

double check the lower o-ring situation

what camshaft?

what year block?

also, is it a roller cam? if so are the lifters correct? if not, they could hemmorage oil by uncovering the galley/lifter bore and it bleeds towards the pan area..

if rod side clearance is more than .010/.012 it'll lose it there also

are you taking pressure readings at the oil filter pad or the rear upper port behind the intake?

[69SSZL1]

Did your verify that the 3 1/8" pipe plugs are installed in the lifter valley oil gallery? they look like bolt holes but go right into the gallery and without them the oil will just squirt into the lifter area. The distributor does not need any o-rings, any standard Chevy distributor will work.

[Alss]

[ QUOTE ]
Did your verify that the 3 1/8" pipe plugs are installed in the lifter valley oil gallery? they look like bolt holes but go right into the gallery and without them the oil will just squirt into the lifter area.

[/ QUOTE ]

we have a winner!!..you guys are good..just a little late..Jking ...pulled the intake and..smoking gun..three pipe plugs missing!..motor is cleaned-re-bearinged and re-assembled ..going to pick it up now. Glad I took it out..lots of aluminum material from the building of the block that somehow survived the cleaning both the machinist and I did.now with fresh bearings I have no worries..crank and rods are fine as is the cam bearings too.

question on 074 heads..exhaust crossover..wet or dry..I have some water in mine..from the dissassmbly poosibily?

thanks again everyone for your knowledge and support

Albert