I have the opportunity for a 1966 sedan Deville with 32,000 miles.I try to do a lot of research and one issue I've read is the oil pump housing on the 429 engine. Apparently they are very hard, if not impossible, to find. I may never need one, but I like to be better informed. Any thoughts or comments from you folks who may have run into this.
Jim
It typically takes a lot to wear the housing beyond usable limits. To put your mind at ease you might try hooking up an actual mechanical gage to the oil pressure port and see what pressure you have and note what oil is in the motor. If the pressure is within limits(10-35 psig),I might suggest the oil pump would be very low on your list of priorities at this time.
Greg Surfas
Hello Jim,
I have a '66 Sedan Deville with 125,000 miles on it and have had no issues with the oil pump. The 429 engines seem to be bullet proof if they are well maintained. Good luck.
Michael Heinz, Director
West Michigan CLC
#27227
These oil pumps do fine if you keep oil changed properly. The few horror stories lead some to believe this is a real problem with these engines. It is not.
For piece of mind put a mechanical gauge on it and see if the pressure is good. If it is, don't be real concerned about it, just maintain the engine.
One issue that does come up is reproduction gaskets for this pump if you are doing a rebuild. The gaskets need to be paper thin, I have seen some replacement gaskets that are thick , and they create too much clearance and the pump won't work.
Tim
Thanks for the feedback. I have a friend who reminds me that I only drive about 600 miles a year, I change the oil every year, and I'm 70. Odds are real good I'm not going to wear my cars out. But I do like to check out potential issues.
Jim