Help with my 82 project

Dk46 wrote

Found out the hole just below the cam is a Oiler that the cam thrust plate covers. That plate has a groove in it to move oil to the end of the shaft and cam gear.

So the plate has a "wing" to block that port and has a path to oil that area with a LITTLE oil.

If you saw no oil psi right a way when it was running and shut her down you may be ok.
Put the plate back in place the right way and spin the pump with the drill. It should be hard to spin and get good psi if all is good. Do this before putting the rest of the motor together.

My motor ran great, 7200 shift rpm, after the no oil psi but I did shut her down right away.
Good luck.
Dave -----

Yeah, I have an electric and manual gauge. A mechanic friend recommended I pull and replace the pump. Said there is a pressure relief valve in there and if it’s bad it will move oil just not build pressure. Anybody had any experience with this???

There is a pressure relief bypass in the pump.
But the spring would have to collapse, or the valve get stuck open and not return.

There's always that one in a million...

Danny, if I were in your shoes I'd be testing for function as I dug into the engine piece by piece.
I think I'd put the thrust plate back on and loosen all the rockers.
I'd try turning both the cam and crank by hand (with a wrench, as the rings are going to be too much friction)

I'd push and pull on them looking for end play.

Have at the oil pump, I mean it's definitely suspect, but look for clues at every step.

Thanks for all the advice.  Gonna pull the oil pan and get to pump, and check everything as I go.  Anyone ever dropped oil pan without fully removing engine? I know I’ll have to remove mount bolts and lift it some

I hear it's possible with a 351 but I've never tried it.

Dk46 wrote

Thanks for all the advice.  Gonna pull the oil pan and get to pump, and check everything as I go.  Anyone ever dropped oil pan without fully removing engine? I know I’ll have to remove mount bolts and lift it some

If you are going to do that just pull the motor, put it on a stand and check all the bearings.
You going to oull the cam to check the cam bearings?
Put the plate on and spin the pump with a drill and see what you get. If it is low then pull the motor abd check the bearings.
Dave ----