Posted on 01/16/2014 9:32:51 PM PST by Jimma
I just picked up a 1970 RoadRunner. It has been sitting (in a tent) for 5 years. The motor was (allegedly) rebuilt before storage with 0 miles. I have it running nice, but am worried that no oil is flowing to the top end.(I have only ran it a minute or two at a time). I can remove the valve covers and see, but would rather not. Are there any easier ways?
Why are you worried? Valves tapping?
(1) If you haven’t removed the valve covers, why do you think it’s oil-starved on the top end? Is it knocking?
(2) What’s the problem with removing the valve covers?
If you have the 340 or 383 motor, it should have the oil filler port on the right hand valve cover.
You could take it off while it’s running and look.
First off - congrats on a great find! Generally speaking if you must know you’ll have to pull a cover. But if you aren’t hearing clatter then you’re probably fine. Personally I’d pull a cover.
The valve covers on a car that old should have an opening where you can add oil, or at least a small oil breather filter. Pull off the filter or take the oil cap off, and you should be able to see, through the resulting opening, the oil reaching the valve rockers (or not, if the pump’s not working).
Run ‘er.
If you have oil pressure, why would you be afraid the top end isn’t getting lubrication. Hydraulic lifters, right? If you had no oil... you’d know.
Remember... it’s just a car.
(I want, I want)
This thread is useless without pictures...
Probably not worth it anymore. Those cars are all monocoque-body, so the rust will likely have destroyed not only the sheetmetal but the structural elements too by now. It’s probably sitting for a reason.
Oil pressure will be high if the galleries are plugged/restricted. If the car has an oil pressure gauge installed, check to see if there is high backpressure. If it has no pressure gauge, it is a minor issue to pull the covers.
If I had your concerns, I would have to pull the valve covers just for piece of mind. But I don’t.
What does the oil look like on the dip stick?
If a fresh build even though sitting it should look clean.
If not change oil and filter> Does it have an oil pressure gauge? Unless you are in A warm climate that oil is cold and will need warm time. Let it idle for ten mins and then raise rpms. If top end is starved lifters will tap! Other than that it pop the covers and have a look see!
Hydraulic lifters?
You'd know pretty quick if you weren't getting oil
Get away from that engine and pay someone who knows what their doing.
Congrats on the car! Other posters have already answered - you'd probably already know if she wasn't getting oil.
I admit, I'm jealous and wondering stats, 318/340/360/383/413/426/440 power plant, 727/833 tranny, 3.23 in the rears?
Anyhow, congrats again. Good luck and enjoy.
I looked in the valve cover (filler cap). It looks dry, besides the oil I have poured in. No rust just dry and it has run up tp 3 minutes. I am going to pull the valve covers but I dont think I will see oil squirting. Then what.
Oil pan comes down?
I will post pics.... its not very pretty right now.
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