Under Pressure
AMC's V-8's have never been known for having strong oiling systems, in fact, quite the contrary, they are known for pretty piss poor oiling systems.
During the most recent Gremlin X engine rebuild, I was talked into opening up the bearing clearances on the 401 that powers the Grem. What used to be 0.0015 - 0.0020 was raised to 0.0025 - 0.0030. I was never comfortable with these numbers, but was getting the info from what we will call "The Yoda" of AMC engines (and several other makes as well) so I went with it. It is my humble opinion this lowered our oil pressure 5 - 10 lbs.
Next time I will take the "it's my motor, I will build it my way" approach. I've rebuilt this motor 4 times since 2000. Twice because of issues (cracked main cap, and cracked cylinder head), and twice just as "routine maintenance". I know this motor, what it likes, how it likes it, and how it runs, and I knew 0.0030 was too big.
So based on this recent build, we can say that as pressure to open up clearances increases, engine oil pressure decreases. My stupidity, or course, remains constant.
Recently the 2002 Chrysler Sebring's (my daily driver) oil pressure idiot light started to flicker at me while sitting at stop lights idling, the light will flicker, and like an idiot, I've done nothing about it to this point. This is why it is an idiot light.
It pisses me off that there is no gauge on the car, just the light. When does the light come on, 20 lbs, 10lbs, 5lbs? The car idles at 600RPM, so I would be ok with 15 or even 10lbs, as long as it goes to 40 or 45lbs when I'm driving. The problem is I don't know, because the f--king engineers at Chrysler decided that I didn't need to know exactly what it was, just that it is low enough to turn on a light.
On a side note, and much to my wife's shagrin, the car is going to get an oil gauge, and me being me, will probably get an AutoMeter graphite faced gauge or something to that affect.
On a side note the side note, no 'A' Pillar gauge pods, this car isn't fast and sure isn't furious!
So why am I telling you about my oil pressure woes? Because a few days ago, I drempt about oil pressure. First it was the Gremlin not having any, my dream was just me in the car warming it up at the track and seeing the gauge not move off of zero.
From there it went to the fix creating too much oil pressure, and blowing seals all over the motor. It was very graphic in my dream, like a Hollywood movie would be (you know, like the fast and furious) with hoses shooting off of things, oil spraying everywhere, even the line going to the gauge in the car bursting, and covering the interior with oil.
Next I was in the race shop coming up with a solution, which I never got to, because I woke up.
So I know a handful of you reading this know what I'm talking about. Of all the things I could...and probably should...be dreaming about, you know, sports, friends, girls (only my wife of coures!), I'm dreaming about cars and oil pressure.
I've heard that if you dream about drinking and getting drunk, you may be an alcoholic. Guess I'm addicted to cars and racing. Anyone know of a good 12 step program for that?
Thanks for Stopping By - Dan