360 V8 Buildup

Got my eventual 360 running. Problem is there is no oil pressure. Took the intake off to swap to a 4v and noticed little to no oil in the valley. That seems strange to me after running for a couple of minutes.

Clogged tube, filter or bad pump. Where do I start?

Pic attached...

 

Pump lost prime? Oil pump on AMC v8 needs to be packed with Vaseline when rebuilt. If motor sat for a long time the oil may have drained out of pump and you may have to pack it. IIRC you can pull dist and spin pump with a drill. I think I used a flat spade bit for wood after some work with a die grinder. Notched it so it couldn't slip off. Could be sludge in pan has screen plugged or p/up tube came off. Would try the drill route if you're not planning on a rebuild. Might save a tear down.

 

Didn't think of the oil pump priming

Not planning a rebuild if I don't have to. May pull the valve covers and use the drill trick to see if the rods are squirting. Then drop the pan and de-sludge the engine and check the underbelly.Whats the best way to de-sludge the engine? There is lots of carbon/oil buildup. Special detergents/cleaners?

 

Forgetting the lifter valley for a second...You say you let it run for a couple minutes and you had zero oil pressure on the gauge? It didn't rattle or knock?

 

Like someone forgot to bolt the rockers down. Sort of like my 258 when you first hit the switch for about 2 seconds till the oil comes up.

Should add history...

Motor has sat for at least 2 years in Wagoneer.
Tried to start, acted like it had jumped time.
Tore the front down to find a new timing chain and gears.
Dizzy gear was chewed up causing jumped time.
Started it up and beside more gas coming out of the top of the carb then down, it ran.

Never ran for more the 30-45 seconds at one time for a total of 3 to 4 minutes.

I'm leaning toward pickup tube/oil pump. Either way I need to drop the pan to clean and inspect.

 

I'd make sure you have prime.

AMC V8s are notorious for zero hot idle oil pressure (not good), but if the engine is cold you should have some oil pressure. Packing the pump gears is easy - remove the oil pump cover on the timing cover.

Make sure your gauge actually works. The stock sending unit on an old engine may be kaput; it's a common failure.