Low oil pressure revisited

[ColoradoSteve]

In a previous thread I reported losing oil pressure but managing to make a trip of nearly 300 miles as long as RPMs were 3 or higher. Seemed like the OPRV was the culprit ( original version) but after forking out $380 for the new version, I'm still without pressure. I did notice that while the front wheels were on the ramps the oil pressure was reading around 4-5 but as soon as I backed down to level, it dropped to 0. So it probably is a damaged pickup tube? The procedure for removing the oil pan looks horrific and I'm thinking I may have to pay a shop for this one...any guesses on what it will cost?

[Rasta Monsta]

Save your money, buy a Lindsey sectioned crossmember and do it yourself. With the three piece unit, all that stuff does not need to come off the top of the motor. If you really want to show your car some love, you can also do rod bearings and install a crank scraper while you are in there.

[CHICKS]

You can do it yourself, and like Rasta said I would do rod bearings and crank scraped wyit. Here's a good write up on both: Oil Pan - Porsche 951 - www.texasblake.com and here:Rod Bearings - Porsche 951 - www.texasblake.com .

[strath44]

may have been mentioned and unlikely but ave you checked the main crankshaft bolt (securing the pas & alternator) pulley isnt loose?

[ColoradoSteve]

Been busy so haven't had a chance to check anything out further, crank pulley is tight, thanks, and the three piece unit looks good for removing the oil pan. Definitely will do the rod bearings but I suppose it could still be a bad oil pump, wish I knew.

[JAXTURBO]

I did'nt do the 3 pc crossmember thing, but the oil pan removal is'nt difficult. It is time consuming though. Now that I am on the otherside of doing it, it really was'nt such a treacherous job. I did invest in nice engine support bar (buck 20 from SJ Discount tools).

[Rasta Monsta]

Are you chained up to the factory lifting eye in this pic?

[JAXTURBO]

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

Are you chained up to the factory lifting eye in this pic?

In that shot maybe not as I had'nt acually started yet. The holder was just poistioned and sitting there. But yes, I used the factory loop during the job.

[ColoradoSteve]

Did a little research and found it is possible to drive 300 miles with a spun rod bearing, metal debris from the failing bearing can clog the pickup tube as well. Seems like actual oil pump failure is pretty rare, but either way the oil pan has to come off. The bigger question is what do I have more of, time or money?

[CHICKS]

Have you cut open the oil filter to see if it has any bearing material in it?