327 Oil pressure / volume problem

[Michael Y.]

Maybe someone out there has seen this before: Recently, at the end of a long drive I noticed the lifter noise was much louder than normal. The next day ,after driving about 10 minutes, the temp gauge went all the way to the right. I pulled both valve covers and saw that no oil was coming to any of the rockers (at idle). One push rod tip had broken off. My first guess was that the main oil galley plug had been pushed out, but this was not the case. I also checked the rear cam bearing, but this looks fine, too.
The oil gauge shows about 30 lbs. Nothing obvious broken in the bottom end.
My next guess is the oil pump, or something blocking the passage from the main galley to the lifter galleys. Sure hate to put this thing back together without being certain of the cause. Please suggest an inexpensive remedy.
Thanks
MHY

[Gene M.]

Re: 327 Oil pressure / volume problem

Mike,
Do you have pluged push rod holes? This is the kinda thing that happens over time. Are you getting oil to the rocker arms? How many quarts of oil in engine? How's the coolant level and waterpump circulation?

[Michael Y.]

Re: 327 Oil pressure / volume problem

Gene
The push rods are open. the first thing I tried was a new thermostat.
I'll check the water pump today.

[George C.]

Re: 327 Oil pressure / volume problem

Gene,

I can't tell from your post how much of the motor you have taken apart. But is the oil pickup attached to the pump? I had one come out several years ago in a big block. At GM they felt a press fit is sufficient, I always pin them know.

George

[Craig S.]

Re: 327 Oil pressure / volume problem

George - Gene mentions he has 30psi on the guage though, so the pickup is there....however, the tack weld of the screen to the pump is something I always do...Craig