16 Dec Under Pressure
Sadly, this is not a blog post about Bowie and Queen’s epic song, “Under Pressure.” Close, but you’re way off.
The pressure mentioned in the blog’s title today actually refers to oil pressure. And not an overabundance of it – a lack of it. So where is this mysterious lack of oil pressure happening? Well, if you see what project this is filed under, you’re a cheater and you’ve ruined the surprise. For everybody else, we’re talking about FMU’s own Z3M Roadster.
The mysterious lack of oil pressure came about while we were ensuring the proper functionality of the S54-ITB-retrofitted S52 motor. After a quick under-filter check, no oil was entering the filter chamber, which should typically happen almost instantaneously. As a result, we went to the one place where oil likes to hang out the most — the oil pan and oil pump.
Since the lack of oil pressure means there may have been starvation issues, we decided to check the motor’s upgraded internals while we had the pan off. After checking the rod bearings, well, whaddaya know…
Since one set of bearings looked a little spun, we figured we would check the rest and then replace them all. With the rest of the bearings intact, we still replaced the whole lot, checked for other internal issues (none were found), and then assessed the oil pump quickly. One of the nuts had gotten a little janky, so we replaced it and stitched everything back together. Using real stitches, obviously.
After putting the pan back on, we still had issues, so we cranked the vehicle sans valve cover to see if the oil was even making it into the valvetrain area. A quick creation of a ground for the plugs (since the valve cover acts as the route to the ground normally) and our test went smoothly. Well, as smoothly as a non-oiled test could go.
As we said, the valvetrain didn’t shoot any oil when it was supposed to. A lack of oil signified one thing and one thing alone. We’d have to change the oil pump. So we did. Now it makes perfect oil pressure and the whole system is functioning like a dream. One less issue to hunt down on the Roadster means we’re one step closer to getting it ready for snow plow duty. Which is what it’s good for once the snow starts to fall. Between Gold Wheels and the Roadster, we should have some very dry pavement at FMU this year.
Have a great weekend! If you’re in Chicago, come out to Montrose Harbor on Sunday to meet us at the final Stretch Your Legs event of the year. Vegas Wilson is not just a tattoo artist, but also a fan of winter meets, and we’re glad to oblige his hunger for more automotive mayhem. See you there!
Derek
Posted at 19:07h, 16 DecemberThat’s what happens when you use tabasco sauce on the connecting rod bearings for break in! Try sriracha sauce next time… smh
P.S. Enjoyed looking at those pics, that B, is stacked!
Ryan
Posted at 14:55h, 17 DecemberI always love FMU builds.
christian
Posted at 17:43h, 30 Decemberstunningly aggressive and flawless. really gives credit to the “fluid” motor union name
Kyle
Posted at 22:21h, 08 FebruaryWouldn’t there have been an easier way to check all of that, without tearing the valve cover off?
fluidmotorunion
Posted at 08:13h, 09 FebruaryWell, it’s our car, so we don’t mind spending extra time triple-checking to ensure everything is functioning properly, whereas a customer – just as you say – may be looking for an easier or less thorough route for the point of saving money. But it’s super easy to see if oil is being delivered to the valvetrain if you crank it and see oil making it that far.