1976 grand lemans

[jokersall]

i have a lemans with a 350. issue originally was lifter tick. its not oiling. backed the rockers off to see if that helped any. one started oiling but thats it. pressure gauge is showing 50psi. walked away from it that day and decided to try again later. again i have one oiling but now i hear metal on metal. maybe lifter and cam rubbing? opinions?

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

It sounds like you have a blockage in the oiling system. If you have 50PSI on the gauge I would try another gauge just to confirm. Otherwise you will probably have to pull the engine apart and rebuild due to failure of the pump to lubricate the system. Hearing metal to metal is never a good sound.

[jokersall]

Is there an oil port on the top end of the motor I can check pressure at?

[MrPbody]

Yes. By the distributor, there's a 3/8-NPT plug. It will have a 5/16" "square" drive if original. SnapOn has the correct socket. It won't "just unscrew" (DO NOT try it without following the instructions here, as it WILL "round out" and become a NIGHTMARE!). It's a tapered pipe plug and will need 'heat" to get it out. Heat the plug with a torch (propane or butane probably won't cut it, acetylene is called for) until it glows red (JUST the plug, not the block around it). Immediately hit it with some wax (candle, canning, etc.). It will then unscrew, usually fairly easily. This will give a clear view of oil pressure INSIDE the engine. You'll need an adapter to hook it up.

Jim