Aspen "Stocker" project

Oldiron440

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2017
Messages
3,048
Reaction score
739
Location
Iowa
I had it happen on the highway also, that one took out the crank. RTV in the relief valve, no it wasn't mine.
 

cjd1963

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
117
Reaction score
98
Location
Mahomet, IL
I had it happen on the highway also, that one took out the crank. RTV in the relief valve, no it wasn't mine.
Ok so I will ask you too. When I primed the pump after buttoning everything back up and got a 58 lb. reading on the guage, you're saying that I can't trust that reading and it could still be the pump? I don't understand, Craig.
 

Oldiron440

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2017
Messages
3,048
Reaction score
739
Location
Iowa
Check out the gear on the distributor and see if it has sliped, if it's ok put it back in the car and start and see what kind of pressure you have.
It is possible that you had something in the pump and it passed or settled back in the pan. You would be surprised how little it takes to upset the relief valve.
 

volare 77

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
1,415
Reaction score
203
Location
maryland
Maybe the relief valve wasn`t stuck at that moment when you primed it. Dunno. It may not be the pump, just as suggestion because I `m just trying to think what else it could be. If it was running bad and the oil pressure really dropped off then I would suggest maybe a lifter popped out but you say it`s runs fine. Btw, 20lbs at idle is not bad if it goes up to 40lbs or so like you said. Maybe the pump spring is weak. Years ago they sold(probably still do) replacement spring and cup for the oil pump.
 
Last edited:

volare 77

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
1,415
Reaction score
203
Location
maryland
If it is a Mopar performance oil pump drive gear it should be pinned. A stock one can spin as it is only pressed on. Also, when I primed my 340 it read like 70lbs with a drill. Actual running pressures were much lower.
 
Last edited:

cjd1963

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
117
Reaction score
98
Location
Mahomet, IL
Maybe the relief valve wasn`t stuck at that moment when you primed it. Dunno. It may not be the pump, just as suggestion because I `m just trying to think what else it could be. If it was running bad and the oil pressure really dropped off then I would suggest maybe a lifter popped out but you say it`s runs fine. Btw, 20lbs at idle is not bad if it goes up to 40lbs or so like you said.
Yep, checked the gear on the distributor as well as the intermediate shaft. 20 lbs. when it's hot is perfectly acceptable, but not when it's dead cold. I really appreciate all of your input, just looking for something that I've overlooked. Still haven't checked the valve train. I keep thinking it's an obstruction and maybe it will pass...like a kidney stone right? HAHA! Thanks, Craig.
 

volare 77

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
1,415
Reaction score
203
Location
maryland
Yea, just throwing ideas out there in hope it would help in some way. I wonder about the metal plugs behind the cam thrust plate. If for some reason one came loose it may reduce oil pressure if it is leaking bad. Good luck with it.
 

Oldiron440

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2017
Messages
3,048
Reaction score
739
Location
Iowa
The first time I had it happen it was on a 440, the tri metal mains had started to delaminate. A very small amount of babbitt had accumulated in the oil pump. The way it failed was I drove it two miles the pick up a friend for lunch, I shut the truck off and got back in and no oil presser.
 

cjd1963

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
117
Reaction score
98
Location
Mahomet, IL
If it is a Mopar performance oil pump drive gear it should be pinned. A stock one can spin as it is only pressed on. Also, when I primed my 340 it read like 70lbs with a drill. Actual running pressures were much lower.
Yes it is the pinned gear. Running pressure before the problem with a cold engine was around 62 lbs. Craig
 

cjd1963

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
117
Reaction score
98
Location
Mahomet, IL
BTW, what oil are you using?
Don't know the actual weight oil that I drained out (it's the oil that was in it when I purchased the car) It's heavier than what I put back in. Replaced it with 10w30 Mobile 1 synthetic. Not going to race the car with this oil, thought that the obstruction may pass easier with the lighter weight oil. I'm at the point of trying anything even though it may sound goofy. Craig
 

volare 77

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
1,415
Reaction score
203
Location
maryland
If you are using a flat tappet cam and lifters I would use a oil that contains high amounts of zinc. I`m not sure if the Mobil One Syn does.
 

Oldiron440

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2017
Messages
3,048
Reaction score
739
Location
Iowa
I no you probably don't want to but I would pull the pan back off, check out a few mains and pull the pump. Pull the pump apart and check for contamination and scoring in the pump and relief valve. This is the first place I would and rule out.......!
I would look at the mains because I was there and had an oil issue, one can lead to the other .
 

cjd1963

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
117
Reaction score
98
Location
Mahomet, IL
Well, decision time...(drum roll) Going to pull the engine and freshen it up since the racing season is almost over. Don't want to take a chance on making it worse or hurting something else unnecessarily. Besides I'm tired of laying on my back underneath the damn thing. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and input. The Aspen "Stocker" Project will continue in 2019 for anyone who really gives a crap. Thanks again, Craig.
 

cjd1963

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
117
Reaction score
98
Location
Mahomet, IL
Finally got the engine out and took it to Parsons and Meyers in Dayton OH. Very respected Stock/Super Stock engine builders. Will update when I learn more...

02773E3F-4B11-4B79-8411-D4D9434049B7.jpeg


0B3F2B39-22A2-4A6A-8C76-D61A340C3903.jpeg
 

Oldiron440

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2017
Messages
3,048
Reaction score
739
Location
Iowa
That doesn't happen often.
I have had cams where the bearing clearance was to tight and had to polish the cam for proper fit.
 
Back
Top