How to do an engine assessment on my wifes 81A?

[david.skinner]

Next job - I would like to assess the state of the engine in my wife's 36 pickup. I think that the engine is a '38 81A, as I can see a 81 stamped on the block (but no 'A') and the engine is a 24 stud with no raised intake manifold so from my desk research this puts it into the 38-41 bracket.

My concern is driven by the way the oil pressure drops as the engine gets hot. I get around 60 lbs on startup but it will drop to 15-20 with around town driving revs and down as far as say 5 on hot idle.

I thought I would start with a compression check. Can I assume that these are done hot with wide open throttle and the primary side of the ignition coil disconnected?

I was also thinking of dropping out the oil pan and checking for sludge and looking at the oil pump intakes but happy to take any advice available.

My objective is to get the car up to level of reliability that makes it practical to go on vacation in it and use it regularly around town.

Regards
David