Pinto Car Club of America

....a failed oil pump right?  Sorry if it's a dumb question. 
I'm having a squeaky/grindy type sound coming from the lower engine. 
A guy was saying he thought I must have lost oil pressure and wrecked some bearings.
I haven't had time to really check things out but I suppose a 77 Pinto wagon can't drop the oil pan without pulling the engine?

Which engine do you have ? I have a V6 and you can drop the pan with out pulling the engine.You have to jack the engine ,block it ,  remove the starter and drop the steering rack and sway bar.

Quote from: flash041 on August 29, 2010, 07:51:21 PM
Which engine do you have ? I have a V6 and you can drop the pan with out pulling the engine.You have to jack the engine ,block it ,  remove the starter and drop the steering rack and sway bar.

I have the 4 cylinder.

Cam bearings going out will do that.

Do you have an oil pressure guage to test with? At the very least you could remove the sender and see if you got oil coming out. A major lack of oil pressure was make the motor have a loud knock and not really what you are describing. You could probably jack up the engine and take the pan off, but I bet it's more trouble that it's worth. The engine comes out pretty easily, then you'd have room to remove the bearing caps for inspection.

Quote from: nothingtodo on August 31, 2010, 04:33:53 AM
Do you have an oil pressure guage to test with? At the very least you could remove the sender and see if you got oil coming out. A major lack of oil pressure was make the motor have a loud knock and not really what you are describing. You could probably jack up the engine and take the pan off, but I bet it's more trouble that it's worth. The engine comes out pretty easily, then you'd have room to remove the bearing caps for inspection.

I usually garage it for the winter. I'm actually kinda excited over the idea of rebuilding the engine. Even though I have no experience and feel overwhelmed somewhat, I've been reading about how it's done and think I will attempt it.  I'm sure I'll be coming back here for advice along the way. Right now, just starting to unbolt everything....

Get some Ziplock baggies to put nuts and bolts and brackets in. Then write on
the bag what it is or where it goes. Look at how a part goes back on before you take it off and make notes. You said you had never done this before so these are some simple tips.

Quote from: STREETREBEL on August 31, 2010, 08:12:29 AM
Get some Ziplock baggies to put nuts and bolts and brackets in. Then write on
the bag what it is or where it goes. Look at how a part goes back on before you take it off and make notes. You said you had never done this before so these are some simple tips.

Thanks. I'll need all the help I can get.
Right now, taking digital photos of EVERYTHING to make sure I can remember how it all goes back together.