Hi, I have a 2000 XJ that had a cracked head. I replaced the head with a clearwater head, and it ran fine for 1000 miles. Recently it started dropping to zero oil pressure. I suspected the bearings were bad from the coolant that got into the engine.

I just replaced the main bearings and rod bearings, in addition to a new oil pump sending unit and sensor. I have great oil pressure at cold startup, but now at hot idle i'm still at the first click. (Which I assume is 10PSI)

I've read that normal hot idle is 13psi at the lowest, and mine is a bit below that (if the first click is 10).

What are my options? Is the first click fine at hot idle fine?

Essentially my engine is rebuilt except for the pistons as this point. I really don't want to have to swap in a new motor after all this work to fix mine. Any ideas?


It drops a bit below this to cover the first click.

 

Did you Plastigage the bearings and determine your clearances?

 

Did you replace cam bearings?

 

This 100%

 

No, this was done while the motor was still in the jeep. Everyone I talked this through said my "main bearings were bad." I guess I should've pulled the whole motor and do the pistons and cam bearings.

Should I just drive it like this and as long as it doesn't drop to zero pressure, I'm good?

 

A high volume oil pump would increase the operating pressure, but you'd have to hammer the oil pan for clearance and the durability of the camshaft gear is reduced. I believe aftermarket gears are available, but it's a "system", and not one I know much about...

 

Mine has a hot idle of 11 psi (verified with a gauge) Been like this 40k and makes no unusual noise. I'm gonna drive it like this till it blows.

 

this is what I wanted to hear. i'm not the only one. thank you.

 

Oil pressure verified with a mechanical gauge? The dash isn't overly accurate.

 

Yes. I think i'm going to drive it until it ever drops below 10, then take it out and rebuild the rest of it.