The Ford Barn

Bubsyouruncle · 08-26-2013, 07:12 PM

I bought the business coupe, with the engine, in 1963 from the original owner who, no kidding, was a little old lady who didn't drive it much. She was a neighbor that we had known for years and years. Can't tell you the miles on the car when I bought it because, at the time, I didn't care.

But to the best of my knowledge, and I am 100 percent from '63 on, the heads have never been off, the pan down, or the intake removed. They don't get much cleaner than that.

I used it, and abused it, from September of '63 through August of '64, while I was a senior in college in Milwaukee. Reliable as all get-out. Even at below zero temperatures. From then on it has been pretty dormant. I have started it up every decade or so, and it has always responded appropriately.

But now, in the twilight of my years (cue Frank S), I want to drive it some more. But I think (know) I have a problem.

Using 50 weight oil, at start-up I get about 10 to 15 psi. Once it warms up it drops to near to nothing. Rev it up and it rises a little. Just a little. Tells me at least that the oil pump is functional.

Cranking compression pressure is 75 psi all around. Plugs are carbon-coated, but they are "new" and haven't seen more than 15 minutes of use at idle at one time in the last 20 years.

The water pumps leak - no kidding!- and will get worked on this winter.

The only replacements on the engine since 1963 have been distributor, carburetor, fuel pump, and spark plugs and spark plug wires.

Comments, suggestions, directions, offers of assistance, etc., are welcome.

08-26-2013, 07:12 PM	#1
Bubsyouruncle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Gurnee, Illinois Posts: 272	Virgin 47 engine low oil pressure I bought the business coupe, with the engine, in 1963 from the original owner who, no kidding, was a little old lady who didn't drive it much. She was a neighbor that we had known for years and years. Can't tell you the miles on the car when I bought it because, at the time, I didn't care. But to the best of my knowledge, and I am 100 percent from '63 on, the heads have never been off, the pan down, or the intake removed. They don't get much cleaner than that. I used it, and abused it, from September of '63 through August of '64, while I was a senior in college in Milwaukee. Reliable as all get-out. Even at below zero temperatures. From then on it has been pretty dormant. I have started it up every decade or so, and it has always responded appropriately. But now, in the twilight of my years (cue Frank S), I want to drive it some more. But I think (know) I have a problem. Using 50 weight oil, at start-up I get about 10 to 15 psi. Once it warms up it drops to near to nothing. Rev it up and it rises a little. Just a little. Tells me at least that the oil pump is functional. Cranking compression pressure is 75 psi all around. Plugs are carbon-coated, but they are "new" and haven't seen more than 15 minutes of use at idle at one time in the last 20 years. The water pumps leak - no kidding!- and will get worked on this winter. The only replacements on the engine since 1963 have been distributor, carburetor, fuel pump, and spark plugs and spark plug wires. Comments, suggestions, directions, offers of assistance, etc., are welcome.