Mark Barnes
Well-Known Member
Just fired my 383 last week. Started and broke in very well. New Melling hi volume pump made pressure 75lbs. at startup, drops to 25 lbs.at idle, 60lbs. at 2500 rpm. Took my son up to the parts store to get collector gaskets. Almost drove by the store driveway, so I leaned on the brakes a bit. Oil pressure went to zero, and stayed there. No clatter, no other noises. Shut the motor down, went inside, came back out 10 min. later restarted motor. Ran 5 seconds, no pressure. Shut it down again. Pulled the distributor, shaft is fine. Intermediate shaft, no issue, gears just like brand new. Cam too. Had it towed home. Only thing I can think of is brand new pickup tube broke off, or separated enough to suck air? (I have 2 oil press. gauges, one mechanical, one electronic, both said zero.) Never had this happen before...anyone have a similar issue? I'm lost and pissed. All brand new parts...