Oil flow or something else wrong?

[Steve1967]

I have a 66 Dart with 62,000 original miles, 273 motor. My only concern is when I crank it, no matter is started yesterday or a month ago it rattles for about 45 seconds like it has no oil. I have done all the normal stuff, new pump, cleaned ports, oil change every 3500, different oils, etc. What am I missing? Scares me to hear it.

 

[PP1RT]

Those have the adjustable rockers?

 

[mopar 3 B]

Install a mechanical gauge and find out. Idiot light goes out at about 10 psi if working right. What does it do in that 45 sec.?

 

[Steve1967]

Those have the adjustable rockers?

No

Install a mechanical gauge and find out. Idiot light goes out at about 10 psi if working right. What does it do in that 45 sec.?

Runs like no oil. Runs smooth but noisey.

 

[mopar 3 B]

But what does the oil light do?

 

[Steve1967]

But what does the oil light do?

 

[Steve1967]

Never comes on. It works but doesn't stay on after cranking. Didn't consider gauge. Good call. Dugh!

 

[shag766]

X2 on the gauge.

 

[Daliant]

I had a 318 that would do that, it took a while for oil pressure to come up on first start up. I put a smaller oil filter on it and the problem went away.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Also, if the oil pressure is good, might be some rockers/pushrods getting a little worn OR more likely just springs inside of hydraulic lifters getting tired and/or gummed up with "smutz". I also thought the 273's were mechanical rockers....guess I learned something.

 

[mopar 3 B]

64s hp I think were solids

 

[mopar 3 B]

I had a 318 that would do that, it took a while for oil pressure to come up on first start up. I put a smaller oil filter on it and the problem went away.

Your shorter filter may have had a residual valve.

 

[mopar 3 B]

What filter mount housing does it have? Horizontal or vertical?

 

[Ranger16]

What kind of filter are you using? Is it the same kind as always or have you tried something new? Perhaps a faulty check (anti-drain back) valve? If this is a relatively new phenomenon, it may be as simple as replacing the filter.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Is it possible it has 162,000 miles and it's piston slap.

 

[moose1]

I had a similar problem with a slant 6 and a 2.2 K car motor. Turns out I was using the wrong oil filter. The correct filter has a check valve that prevents drain back, prior to that the filter had to fill before pressure came up. That's my 2 cents...

 

[mopar 3 B]

318 with a straight on filter should not be having a drain back problem. The filter should always be close to half full.

 

[Steve1967]

Well the overwhelming opinion seems to be filter. I appreciate all the feedback. It's been years since I've owned an older Mopar but bought 2 within the last 5 and 6 years so that I can 'play' when I retire, 2 weeks ago. The Dart is all original and I'm just fixing things since it sat in a garage for 23 years. Wish I was that lucky with the 67 Satellite. Just bout finished with interior, wiring, 440 big block but found rust on rails and cross member. Maybe just sell it. Thanks everybody for feedback. This is an awesome forum.

 

[Steve1967]

This is the one I'm thinking about selling. Completely (professionally) wired front to back, interior redone, new tires, lots of parts included, been working on motor and almost finished($10,000 invested). Headers, cam, neew 850 Holley. List of name brands in this motor. Very strong fast motor. 727 trans with reverse shift pattern. Typical Mopar panel rust bubbles starting. Probably about $15,000 OBO. If you know someone looking tell them to contact me. Love this car but never done body work and it can get expensive.

 

[shag766]

just curious, is the 273 still rattling on start up? i am curious what the fix was if it's not.