I bought an offroad buggy running a 400 and there is almost no oil pressure. It has 15w40 Rotella that's fresh, unknown year or mileage. I swapped pressure gauges, so I know that's not the issue.

When cold it has about 10lbs at idle, maybe 30 or so at 3000 rpm's. There's no tach, I'm guessing here.

When hot, it has under 5lbs at idle, and about 10 or 15 at 3000 or 4000 rpm's.

Pulling the oil pan is a project, I'm attaching a picture to show what I'm working with. To pull the pan motor and transmission have to come out. The previous owner ran it like this, I'm thinking of doing the same but wanted to get some advice before I messed something up. I'm thinking that the motor is probably worn out as is, and I would think that the damage is already done.

What does everyone think? Run it and hope for the best? I want to take it out over this holiday weekend, this is a big weekend for riding in my area.

Thanks.

 

well, another oil pump will be sold

 

Think it would be that easy though? I'm worried that the oil pump is good but the bearings are shot.

 

That would be determined on engine condition. Since you don't know the mileage, probably an overhaul.

 

I think you need to think about what if you needed another 400 right now.If it goes wrong,you have to be will to pay the piper for the little playtime you would be giving up.Low oil pressure is bearings and if you catch it now,it certainty will save you a bunch of money.Oh yeah-low oil pressure ='s more heat and those 400's do not like heat of any kind.

Oh-Did I say I don't think you should run it.................LOL.

 

I'm not saying that it shouldn't be repaired, but, if you want to be as safe as you can for a little while longer, I'd get some heavier Oil in it.

Most times that Multi-Vis is really only helpful when you're starting it in cooler weather. You might try a monograde 50 weight in it, just anything to float those bearings better.

 

Not a question of what oil pressure you have and then again it is.5psi is the ragged edge at idle and you should see more than 30 psi at a rpm range.Running a heavier oil might give you more pressure,BUT is "can" slow down the lucubration over-all of the worn engine and "could" make it worse.

The thing you asking is how to cut corners with a high risk situation.That almost never has a positive outcome.Right now it seems you could have a salvageable engine and your asking to put it all on the line over a wkend.I can not or will not in good faith advise you to take that risk.And I am putting the full wt of all the yrs of racing behind that.Spend the wkend tearing it down for a rebuild.

 

You might get away with main bearings, thats usually the big culprit that is IF the journals are not worn.

 

Look.If your going to take it part.Do the job right.Period.Gezzzzzzzz.

 

Well, he has limited time to try to fix it in Or rather limp it along in.