From: dhaile@teal.csn.org (David Haile)
Newsgroups: alt.autos.antique,alt.autos.rod-n-custom
Subject: Low Oil Pressure!  Help!
Date: 26 Jan 93 18:54:45 GMT
Organization: Colorado SuperNet, Inc.

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
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 /      David W. Haile - Kuo & Associates, Inc., Ft. Collins, Colorado     /
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