Oil Pressure??

[Robb13425]

Hello all. I am new to the buick v6 and need some help. I recently got a 1983 buick regal w/ a carbed 3.8v6 non-turbo. I got the car and was told the engine had 0 oil pressure and no oil to the rockers. I started the car w/o the rocker covers on and sure enough, no oil. I did not verify the 0 oil pressure though. I wanted to check the oil level, but found no dipstick; so, I changed the oil, to know for sure that it had oil.

knowing the the oil pump had been removed during a water pump replacement (don't ask, the previous owner wasn't mechanically advanced) I was hoping they just botched the oil pump prime. (like not packing the gears with vasoline) So, I pulled the pump installed new gear and a thrust plate, packed it good with vasoline, buttoned it up and started it again w/o the rocker covers. This time i had oil on about half rockers. running short on time before having to leave for an occasion, i decided to **** with it the following morning. the next morning, NO oil on any of the rockers again. I haven't done anything since.

question: shouldn't the rockers see constant oil? what else should I do? where can I tap in for an oil pressure gauge? what psi should i have? what turns the pump drive gear?

I did a quick search, but didn't all the info i needed. Thanks in advance.

RB

 

[Robb13425]

engine swap

to compound the questions. what engines could I swap in 231's place. I have a sbc 350 and a sbc 327 available and can get a th350 or 400 easily. i kinda like the idea of using a buick or olds 350, or even a 455. but don't know what mounts are available for each motor.

 

[Freddie's Buick]

If you're anywhere near an 'Auto Zone' store, they can rent you a pump primer.

The long oil pump gear might of snapped at the notched end that goes below the distributor shaft, or the main bearings are toast.