rebuild or not to rebuild???

NotchStang59311 · 04-12-2004, 06:37 PM

i have a 351 windsor that when warm has very low oil pressure at idle. Can any one tell me what i should do, buy a new engine, or rebuild this one???

LX5liter · 04-12-2004, 06:56 PM

Is there any special internal parts in it that are special? If not, just buy a new longblock or shortblock from Ford, or a higher perf one from another company. It's damn near as cheap to buy a rebuild now-a-days than to get one rebuilt.

NotchStang59311 · 04-12-2004, 08:56 PM

Yes i know it is cheaper to buy a new one but i was actually wonderind if any one knew what this problem is. Does any one know what causes this engine to do this???

Ieatcamaros · 04-12-2004, 09:42 PM

What is the oil pressure when it is low, like you are talking?

NotchStang59311 · 04-12-2004, 10:02 PM

i dont know exactly what it is it changes sometimes its way too low sometimes its only a litle low but its never where it should be.

Ieatcamaros · 04-13-2004, 07:57 PM

This must be the stock gauge you are reading. If it is fluctuating, it sounds like all you need is an oil sending unit. It is the bell shaped thing with one wire on top of it. It is right next to the oil filter. On the left of the oil filter when standing next to the drivers fender. If your car is not smoking or using any oil, it doesn't need a rebuild.

NotchStang59311 · 04-13-2004, 10:05 PM

No it is not the gauge it stays at the same level for as long as it is running but it is lower some days than it is others.

420nitro · 04-13-2004, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NotchStang59311
No it is not the gauge it stays at the same level for as long as it is running but it is lower some days than it is others.

Maybe I am wrong but I think he ment that the guage could be reading wrong. The oil pressure sending unit is notorious for reading low when they start to go bad or when they are bad. Before replacing your engine, check the oil pressure with a proven accurate guage. Example would be one from "Snap-On Tools" or equal. You can also just get an Auto Meter Guage (mechanical) and see what you really have. All you need is 22-25 @idle, and 60psi at your shift point. When it's all said and done...it should be about 10psi per 1,000 rpms. Its an old saying with the oil pressure.
Good Luck and hope this clears things up if anything.

NotchStang59311 · 04-14-2004, 02:26 AM

Thanks for all your help and i hope this is the problem.

Ieatcamaros · 04-14-2004, 05:28 PM

Quote:

No it is not the gauge it stays at the same level for as long as it is running but it is lower some days than it is others.

They will do that too. But most of the time, they fluctuate. I am 97% sure that the $10 oil sending unit is what you need.

04-12-2004, 06:37 PM	#1
NotchStang59311 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 10	rebuild or not to rebuild??? i have a 351 windsor that when warm has very low oil pressure at idle. Can any one tell me what i should do, buy a new engine, or rebuild this one???

04-12-2004, 06:56 PM	#2
LX5liter dude5l Join Date: May 2001 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada Posts: 603	Is there any special internal parts in it that are special? If not, just buy a new longblock or shortblock from Ford, or a higher perf one from another company. It's damn near as cheap to buy a rebuild now-a-days than to get one rebuilt. __________________ Good luck! Brad R. 1992 L.X. 5.0 coupe MODS: A few little bolt ons New Best time ...11.60 @ 128 mph @ 2000+ ft altitude. Rice Haters Club member #39 Users rides #2542

04-12-2004, 09:42 PM	#4
Ieatcamaros Domestic Rice really sucks! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: KY Posts: 973	What is the oil pressure when it is low, like you are talking? __________________ The sig says it all.

04-13-2004, 07:57 PM	#6
Ieatcamaros Domestic Rice really sucks! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: KY Posts: 973	This must be the stock gauge you are reading. If it is fluctuating, it sounds like all you need is an oil sending unit. It is the bell shaped thing with one wire on top of it. It is right next to the oil filter. On the left of the oil filter when standing next to the drivers fender. If your car is not smoking or using any oil, it doesn't need a rebuild. __________________ The sig says it all.

04-13-2004, 10:05 PM	#7
NotchStang59311 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 10	engine build?? No it is not the gauge it stays at the same level for as long as it is running but it is lower some days than it is others.

04-12-2004, 08:56 PM	#3
NotchStang59311 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 10	Yes i know it is cheaper to buy a new one but i was actually wonderind if any one knew what this problem is. Does any one know what causes this engine to do this???

04-12-2004, 10:02 PM	#5
NotchStang59311 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 10	i dont know exactly what it is it changes sometimes its way too low sometimes its only a litle low but its never where it should be.

04-14-2004, 02:26 AM	#9
NotchStang59311 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 10	Thanks for all your help and i hope this is the problem.

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