Posted by Pete Vernon on January 29, 1998 at 21:01:20:
This message relates to a couple of earlier postings on oil pressure and engine failure. About 7 years ago I bought a 53 M-37 from a dealer in the midwest sight-unseen (not smart). When it arrived, the oil guage read 30-35 lbs warm. Well, the guages were somewhat beat up so I replaced them with top-0-the-line Stewart Warner mecahnical guages (the truck is 12 volt). This new oil pressure guage read 5-10 lbs idling, depending on temp and use. The dealer gave me a new oil pump and ball check valve, but to no avail. I've been driving it this way since, around town only, because when it gets really warm, it kind of "rumbles" and it's a little scary. The pressure starts at 50, then works it's way down after use, indicating to me that it is probably worn crank bearings (the dealer put new rod bearings in). If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them. I'd also like to get the name of a reputable and reasonable rebuilder of these engines in the Massachusetts area. Other than this problem, the truck is in excellent shape with winch, new top, troop seats and sides, and even a siren. Also, if you consider buying a truck without examining it yourself, ask the seller to check the pressure with an external mechanical guage. I'll appreciate your comments. Pete Vernon, Holliston, MA. petevernon@aol.com