Help with low oil pressure

[moparmike68]

This might be a possibility.

Understanding Engine Oil Aeration​

What is Engine Oil Aeration?​

Engine oil aeration occurs when air bubbles mix with engine oil, leading to a frothy or foamy consistency. This can disrupt the oil's ability to lubricate engine components effectively, resulting in increased wear and potential engine damage.

Causes of Engine Oil Aeration​

Several factors contribute to engine oil aeration:

• High Engine Speeds: Rapid engine revolutions can agitate the oil, introducing air bubbles.
• Improper Oil Levels: Overfilling or underfilling the oil reservoir can cause aeration. Overfilled oil can churn excessively, while underfilled oil may draw in air.
• Faulty Oil Pumps: Malfunctioning oil pumps can fail to maintain proper oil flow, allowing air to mix with the oil.
• Oil Quality: Low-quality oil or incompatible oil types can lack anti-foaming properties, increasing the risk of aeration.

Effects of Engine Oil Aeration​

Aerated oil can lead to several issues:

• Reduced Lubrication: Air bubbles disrupt the oil film, increasing friction and wear on engine parts.
• Engine Overheating: Aerated oil does not dissipate heat effectively, leading to higher temperatures and potential thermal degradation.
• Oil Degradation: Exposure to air accelerates oil oxidation, resulting in sludge and varnish formation.
• Pressure Loss: Aeration can cause cavitation in the oil pump, leading to a loss of oil pressure and potential oil starvation.

Prevention of Engine Oil Aeration​

To minimize aeration:

• Maintain proper oil levels.
• Use high-quality oil that meets manufacturer specifications.
• Regularly check and maintain oil pumps and lubrication systems.
• Avoid prolonged high-speed driving when possible.

Understanding and addressing engine oil aeration is crucial for maintaining engine health and performance.

I don’t think it is an aeration problem, but that’s only my opinion based on the condition of the oil when I check it on dipstick after driving and there is no frothy or bubbly appearance to the oil. Also I do have a windage tray installed so they had to be better than no tray.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I don’t think it is an aeration problem, but that’s only my opinion based on the condition of the oil when I check it on dipstick after driving and there is no frothy or bubbly appearance to the oil. Also I do have a windage tray installed so they had to be better than no tray.

A bad oil pump can churn up the oil. Oil pick up tube not sealed. Oil sump location to closes or to far. You just have to go through it one step at a time. Pull valve covers, prime see what you have.

 

[moparmike68]

A bad oil pump can churn up the oil. Oil pick up tube not sealed. Oil sump location to closes or to far. You just have to go through it one step at a time. Pull valve covers, prime see what you have.

Yeah it just sucks to think that I have to remove the pan and windage tray with the engine in the car and how difficult it will be to put it all back in with no leaks. Also if there is nothing obvious after getting into the pan.🫩

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

Do what challenger rta mentioned above. You just have to pull the valve covers and the distributor. Get a good heavy duty drill and see what kind of pressure you can build.

 

[moparmike68]

Yeah it just sucks to think that I have to remove the pan and windage tray with the engine in the car and how difficult it will be to put it all back in with no leaks. Also if there is nothing obvious after getting into the pan.🫩

Do what challenger rta mentioned above. You just have to pull the valve covers and the distributor. Get a good heavy duty drill and see what kind of pressure you can build.

Yeah planning to do that and I have another oil gauge that I plan to use to see if I get a different reading than the gauge I have been using in the car.
Thanks

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

Did you replace the cam bearings and install a new cam or reuse the old one.

 

[moparmike68]

Did you replace the cam bearings and install a new cam or reuse the old one.

Did you replace the cam bearings and install a new cam or reuse the old one.

I would assume and hope that the guy who did my engine installed a new cam and bearings.