Need Help... New 65 Bird Owner

[daucoin11]

I have a 1965 Bird that had sat for 6 years. Owner started it before he shipped to me and said it had valve clatter. I changed oil and filter added mystery oil and ran it for 45 minutes. When I went to change oil and filter again the filter was dry! No oil in it at all!
Been a while since I worked on older engines...refresh me a bit.
Dave

 

[65BLUBIRD]

I would drop the oil pan and check the oil pump for a clog

 

[daucoin11]

Thanks. Any other ideas?

 

[65BLUBIRD]

Check your oil pressure gauge with car running.
open the valve covers. May have a bunch of burned up oil inside and oil journals or channels are clogged.

 

[boaterbob]

was it clattering for 45 min. while you ran it? If you had oil pressure on the gauge The filter should be full after you run it, That's where the oil goes first out of the pump. Maybe pickup screen is clogged, Maybe shaft broken going into pump. You can pull dist. and turn pump with rachet and extension. Could also be dry pump that's worn and won't pickup prime

 

[65BLUBIRD]

I don't know if you want to run the car too much more until you pull the pan, pop off the covers, and follow boater bob's suggestion. Definitely have some sort of oil problem. If you already ran it for 45 mins you dont want to push your luck.

 

[daucoin11]

I pulled the covers and loaded with sludge. Not much oil getting to lifters and none getting to oil filter! dropping pan today! Any suggestions to a simple way of dropping oil pan?
Dave

 

[65BLUBIRD]

it is pretty straight forward and one of the easier thins to remove. The secret is in replacing and torqing bolts evenly. Do not over tighten, this includes valve covers. Make sure pan and covers are straight. Gaskets should be available at local store.

 

[65BLUBIRD]

You may be at the point of pulling the engine to clean this mess up.

 

[daucoin11]

why would I need to pull engine?
Yikes

 

[sseebart]

With all that sludge, you might have clogged oil passages in the block itself.

Not to mention, 45 minutes running without oil--a good reason to make sure that nothing was severely damaged.

~Steve

 

[65BLUBIRD]

From what you have written it sounds like quite a mess. It will be hard to clean without making your engine bay and engine parts a mess. Once you get into the job with the engine in place you will see what we are talking about. If uncomfortable removing engine, do the best you can and take your time.

When all is said and done you, or garage, may have to remove engine.

 

[daucoin11]

Ha ha
I don't mind a messy garage or working with engine in. I have removed the hood which makes it easier to access the engine. Are there something's that you could recommend to help cleanse?

Thank you
Dave

 

[daucoin11]

and dirty engine bay and parts can be cleaned!

 

[daucoin11]

is there a chance to actually speak? Or is that not allowed on this forum/
Dave

 

[65BLUBIRD]

I sent you a private message with my number.

 

[65BLUBIRD]

Also, you need to get a shop manual or repair manual if you don't already have one.

 

[daucoin11]

Dropped the pan and found the Oil pump to be seized! The intermediate dist shaft twisted like a pretzel! replacements on order!

Is there a trick to putting the shaft back in the distributor?
thanks
Dave

 

[65BLUBIRD]

mark the distributor and block when you remove it. Maybe before doing that , check your cylinder compression. All the sludge and burnt oil could mean the rings or cylinders are shot or valves no longer seating correctly. If so, may think of pulling and getting rebuilt. Some guys on this site may know a place in New England area. /good luck.

 

[65BLUBIRD]

also mark rotor position on distributor