MF TO-35 Engine Rebuild Oil Pressure

Bruce Calhoon · Jan 28, 2013

An acquaintance rebuilt my TO-35 Continental Gas Engine after the oil pump failed. Start it up, runs great, but he says "need a new oil pressure gauge and line, probably some trash got in it." I dutifully got an after- market gauge, installed it, and 0 oil pressure. I have not run the engine for more than 1 min. So, before I panic and get this guy to crack it back open, is there any secret to installing a new oil pressure gauge, e.g., should the line be primed with oil to get the air out? Many thanks.

Phil Tibbetts · Jan 28, 2013

No need to prime the line, but you may have a plugin the line somewhere. Is the line transparent or black? If it is transparent you might see a little oil at the motor end. If you unhook it at the engine and blow into it a little with air hose(only low pressure 20 -30 lbs) it should move the meter.

Bruce Calhoon · Jan 28, 2013

Thanks Phil... good idea to check PSI w/ air. The line is copper. I will also check the old meter and line w/ the same method (should have done that first)

Tony in Mass. · Jan 28, 2013

Oh dear.... 'your freind rebuilt the engine'????
Did he install the rear main bearings correctly? if all the little holes don't line up... zero oil pressure. So, while you got the bottom appart once again...

2tractors · Jan 29, 2013

Hope it's not one of those fleabay color coded models from bang yo dash.If it is try one from Napa. Also after only a minute of running the gauge may not of had time to read anything. Pull the plugs and coil wire and spin it over good or put your gauge directly into the side of the block. If nothing works then your "friend" may have had x with you.

Jerry/MT · Jan 29, 2013

Better measure the bearing clearances with some Plastigage!Did you put in a new pumpor rebuild the old one. Did you check the relief valve and spring? Check to make sure that there is no leak in the oil pick up tube that"s not allowing the pump to pick up oil.
The oil line to the gauge does not need to be primed with oil. Make sure the oil line isn"t clogged-blow it out with compressed air. Pull the coil wire out of the tower, remove the oil line at the block,pull the spark plugs and crank the engine over to see if you have a bunch of oil come out. Run a wire into the block to see if some swarf is clogging it. Crank again,If you don"t it"s "Houston, we have a problem" time.

The gauge usualy works or it doesn"t. It may not be accurate, but it should show pressure unless it"s really damaged. Blow some compressed air into it an see if it moves. If it does, it"s working(again it may not be accurate).

MF TO-35 Engine Rebuild Oil Pressure

Bruce Calhoon

New User

Phil Tibbetts

Well-known Member

Bruce Calhoon

New User

Tony in Mass.

Well-known Member

2tractors

Well-known Member

Jerry/MT

Well-known Member

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