Engine oil path, '73 318 • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **blackmagic73** » 22 Oct 2010 13:53

I can't seem to find anywhere a pictoral or description of the path the oil takes through the engine in a 318 small block. Could anyone tell me how it gets up to the rocker arms? I was testing the oil system yesterday to make sure it generated pressure and didn't notice anything making it up to the rocker arms and want to make sure nothing is wrong.

by **dave-r** » 22 Oct 2010 14:31

The engine has to be turned to the correct position to pass oil up to the rocker shafts. Turn the engine a bit at a time and you will see the oil suddenly appear up there when you have pressure.

by **dave-r** » 22 Oct 2010 14:33

Picture from workshop manual.

by **blackmagic73** » 22 Oct 2010 14:36

Beautiful! Thanks, that's exactly what I needed. I'll give that a try.

by **blackmagic73** » 23 Oct 2010 14:26

One more question for you. I put the rest of the motor together and turned it over. Should I be seeing at least some sort of pressure when it is cranking but not running, because the needle on the oil pressure gage doesn't even twitch. Is it possible that the oil pump isn't engaged by the drive shaft, or am I overthinking things?

by **dave-r** » 23 Oct 2010 16:09

Overthinking I think. :wink:

I never see pressure on the gauge just by cranking.

by **blackmagic73** » 24 Oct 2010 21:53

dave-r wrote:Overthinking I think. I never see pressure on the gauge just by cranking.

Roger. That's a relief. Always good to have peace of mind, though.