From: bowmanj@csn.org (Jerry Bowman)
Subject: Re: Low Oil Pressure!  Help!
Organization: University of Colorado Boulder, OCS
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1993 23:08:06 GMT

In article <C1H5vC.GM7@csn.org> dhaile@teal.csn.org (David Haile) writes:
>Abstract (for inclusion with follow-up News postings):
>
>High-mileage (225K) 1968 Buick 430 V8 doesn't burn oil but has
>trouble keeping oil pressure.  Owner requests advice on whether
>complete engine needs replacement or if he can get another 75K
>miles off of short block.  Heads have never been rebuilt.
>
>
>Background:
>
>I have a 1968 Buick Electra 225 Convertible with 225,000 miles on
>the original 430 4bbl V8.  The engine has never been opened up
>and I suspect that the carb. has never been rebuilt.  All of the
>miles are from an easy 50mph 50-mile/day commute.  I inherited it
>from my mother-in-law, who purchased it new.  I'm pretty sure
>that the slight chugging sound during light acceleration means
>that I need a valve job, but I'm trying to decide if that is all
>that I absolutely have to do.  I do drive the car daily, but I
>only put 7,000 miles/year on it.  If I could get it to go to
>300,000 miles (10 more years!) I would be ecstatic.  It currently
>needs only one quart of oil every 1000 miles, but I think half of
>that is due to leaking from various sources, none of which are
>the main seals. 
>
>
>Problem:
>
>At seemingly random intervals of 4 weeks or so, the oil pressure
>disappears almost altogether.  I have a pretty good mechanical
>oil pressure gauge in the car, so this is easy to monitor.  It
>would normally run at 20lbs around town and up to 22-25 on the
>highway.  When the oil pressure disappears, I can get it to as
>high as 10lbs around 2000 rpm, but it is very near zero at idle. 
>The inside of the valve covers look very filled-up with crud, so
>maybe the whole engine is filled with crud and just needs a good
>purging with some internal engine cleaner.  I've also considered
>replacing just the oil pump with a high-volume version, but will
>wait until real advice comes before I do anything.
>
>
>Misc. Other Requirements:
>
>I just bought a new house and am nearly in the red for monthly
>cash flow, therefore I'm reluctant to spend much on the car.  If
>"replace the engine" advice is all I hear, the car goes up on
>blocks in long-term storage.  I also know that cab drivers
>regularly get 300,000 miles on GM V8's, so that does give me some
>encouragement.
>
>
>Alternate Solutions:
>
>If anyone would give me $4000 for this very straight and entirely
>complete future hot collectible cream puff, I would be happy to
>deliver it anywhere within the Continental US ($150 surcharge
>east of Mississippi because I don't know anyone out there I could
>stay overnight with and because it is a lot further to VA from CO
>than it is to CA).  I have no qualms about driving it long dis-
>tances.  I know the complete history of the car, though my
>in-laws didn't keep many of the receipts.  They had regular
>maintenance on it whether it needed it or not.  _Everything_
>except the paint (5 yrs), upholstery (5 yrs), and top (3 yrs) is
>original.  A more complete, accurate, and honest description
>followed by photos is available to legitimate requestors.  I live
>in Ft. Collins, Colorado; 60 miles north of Denver and 40 miles
>south of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
>
>
>Thanks for your help.  David Haile - dhaile@csn.org
      Future hot collectable cream puff.  I LOVE IT !                              >-- 
>  /-------------------------------------------------------------------------/
> /      David W. Haile - Kuo & Associates, Inc., Ft. Collins, Colorado     /
>/-------------------------------------------------------------------------/


Xref: sparky alt.autos.antique:2496 alt.autos.rod-n-custom:455