no oil pressure at oil pump

[skippy73]

holden 304 no oil pressure. no oil getting up top to the heads, packed full of vasoline, then started it. checked tappets couldnt see any oil.
pulled oil pump off. You could see the cogs inside the oil pump had been turning an some of the vasoline was gone but no oil, cleaned the pump out put it back on , filled oil filter with oil. Took the oil sender out
put a little hose in there fill it with oil. started car. no oil to the top end. started the car while oil filter was released to see if it would pump oil out nothing comes out just what was in the filter. Check the oil pick up in the sump Put on a new gasket. still nothing...Any ideas

 

[_R_J_K_]

I'd be looking further at the pickup first. Did you try cleaning the pickup or checking for blockages or looking for any cracks in the joins?

 

[skippy73]

That’s what I’m thinking aswell but I can’t see anything wrong with it. I cleaned it up with some steel wool I’ve had a good look at it. the Flange that bolts to the Block it looked a little bit warped so I file it flat new gasket... I guess I’ll take it apart and have another look again

 

[Heavy VT]

Have you checked the relief valve and spring is installed correctly and is not stuck?

 

[skippy73]

hey Heavy VT thanks for the reply .
yes I’ve had a relief valve an the spring both out, They both look fine,
is there anyway that I can test to see if it is the oil pick up

 

[Heavy VT]

I would remove the top cover of the oil pump and dummy fit the bolts so you can turn the engine over by hand to check the pump gears are actually rotating.
You will have to remove the sump again to check the pickup for cracks or air leaks.

I would not start you engine with no oil pressure. Remove the sparkplugs and disconnect the coil then wind over with the starter motor when trying to get oil pressure.

 

[BlackVXGTS]

From the Holden VT/VX Service Manual. I know you've checked some things but perhaps not all:

 

[skippy73]

On closer inspection found this on the oil pump after installing a new oil pickup

 

[Heavy VT]

Good find

After you fix the oil pressure issue and had it running, I would cut open the filter and check for any metal from the lack of oil pressure.

 

[skippy73]

Ordered new oil pump, wen it arrives I will do some mods, bolt it in an hope that’s wot the problem was.. yes I will heavy vt