Whoopsie -daisy --- low oil...

[YY1]

They just know.

Every one I've ever owned (even the poly heads) did.

Part of their personality.

Maybe not enough to pump the hydraulic lifters.

Doesn't explain the poly mechanical lifters, though.

 

[74Slant6Charger]

Well, big boy took it to work last night, 15 miles ea way... got home and she's clattering away again.

Also it has developed a hard-to-start-when-hot issue as well. fun with old cars!

 

[YY1]

Gotta ask-

when was the last oil change?

 

[YY1]

They will also tell you if you are using cheap/crap oil.

I thought Castrol was supposed to be good but none of my Mopars ever liked it.

Valve tick started at 2000-2500 miles.

Kendall and Valvoline went over 5K before tick started.

 

[74Slant6Charger]

Gotta ask-

when was the last oil change?

Yeah, no idea... been a minute. It's one of these ratty cars, unloved and unwanted - till now.

 

[Kern Dog]

I don't understand this. Can someone explain how lifters can clatter if the oil level is low? The oil pick up is below the oil level, so unless it is empty and sucking air, what's the difference between 5 qts. and 4 qts, and if the lifters are clattering, why aren't the bearings affected?

The lifters are the LAST to get pressurized oil. The main bearings get the first of it, rod bearings are next then the lifter galleries. Solid lifters get oiled along the sides by pressurized oil. Cams get oiled merely by splash! The rods spit oil out as the crank rotates and the cam gets lubed from that and from drain back in the lifter valley.

 

[YY1]

The car is trying to tell you something.

Listen to it.


Change the oil and I bet a donut the tick goes away.

Change it with good oil and I'll bet it goes away for 4-5000 miles unless it gets low.

 

[Ranger16]

The lifters are the LAST to get pressurized oil. The main bearings get the first of it, rod bearings are next then the lifter galleries. Solid lifters get oiled along the sides by pressurized oil. Cams get oiled merely by splash! The rods spit oil out as the crank rotates and the cam gets lubed from that and from drain back in the lifter valley.

But that doesn't explain how low oil level would cause lifters ticking, assuming of coarse that the lubricating system is up to par. Oil level has no effect on pressure. I just fail to wrap my head around this logic.

 

[YY1]

You've seen "Christine"?

There's a reason they used a Mopar.

 

[Rusty 72]

My Chargers original 318 had low oil pressure and I drove it until I started hearing noise. When I pulled it to finally rebuild and investigate it was a rod bearing spinning. It had worn into the crankshaft beyond repair. I was honestly suprised by the sound? I wouldn't have guessed it spun a bearing.

 

[70chall440]

Reference the oil level and pressure; all things being equal I would agree that the pressure should not have anything to do with the level except... if the volume of the oil (amount) is insufficient to provide a constant source to the pickup, it will pull air into the system and pressure will be effected. This can especially be an issue on an old motor where the system is obstructed and inefficient. In other words, there has to be enough oil for the pickup to pull it without interruption.