Looking for a front engine cover - 1963 Cadillac Eldorado

[Daniela]

All, 

I am again on the search for a part for my engine - 12 months in and there seems to be a new problem. 

We have taken the whole engine out again since there seems to be an oil pressure problem so the engine shop is checking the valves and springs and everything else again. 

They mentioned that the front engine cover has a little wear and even so they do not believe this is the reason for the issues they suggested I should try to find a "good looking" used one. 

Looking forward to hearing from you all. 

Thanks and have a nice weekend. 
Daniela

[Jason Edge]

Just to note, Daniela is 1st up on my Wait List for a front cover but I am out. I told Daniela to make sure the pressure relief valve in the oil pump cover is not sticking open.  Whenever, oil pressure suddenly drops after an engine is rebuild, or work done on the front cover, etc. that is often the culprit.  They have to make sure the valve absolutely slides easily back and forth. I am just putting this out there so we don't get into a long discussion, as this as already been relayed to the engine builder and I am assuming they have checked the cover and valve out closely. 

[Daniela]

Thanks, Jason!

[Russ Austin]

Does the engine shop know the oil pressure is low at idle? Average at idle is 10 PSI.

[Jason Edge]

Russ, I have told her per specs car idles at 10 psi, up to 30 to 35 psi when pressure relief valve kicks in, and light comes on below 7 psi. I am assuming they have a shop manual also. It is my understand when first fired up and engine broke in, then driven some, the suddenly low oil pressure. To me that points to stuck pressure valve. These worn front pump gears only gradually wear over time and even then only marginally affect oil pressure. There are large heavy gears turning in a cavity and a few thousand of an inch or minor scoring is not going to kill an engine or oil pressure. The other item I relayed was clogged pick up screen in the oil pan. Since they have pulled the engine apart hopefully they have check pick up screen and the pressure valve. I"m just not sure what is going on.