No oil in timing gear compartment

fordfun

fordfun

Member
I'm in the process of installing an oil filter system on my '29 Sport Coupe. When I removed the side timing gear cover I noticed that there is no evidence of oil present. Is this normal, or do I have a circulation problem? I understand the filtration system will be delivering oil from the oil pump side port to the filter and on into the compartment, which should provide some lube to the gear.
 
With the timing gear side cover removed and the engine running, you should see a very good flow of oil over the front dam and onto the timing gear.
 
I'm installing one of two kits sold by Mac's (not the A-Ford-Able Full Flow Filter kit).

The timing gear is essentially dry. I have not yet installed the filter system.

The oil was changed about 20 miles ago, and is right up to the prescribed level.

Does this sound like a bad oil pump? If so, how can this be verified?
 
I would remove the side plug and see if the pump is pumping out any oil and if not remove the oil pan and fix or replace the pump.
 
I had the same panic attack after installing a Fordable full flow system. Timing gear looked dry with the side gear cover off. Then started it up, and oil flowed out of the front of the valve chamber just fine. I think the oil just drains off. Check it with the engine running if the cover is already off. Check the side plug at the same time with the engine running. Be ready for a mess. Checking the side cover is less of a mess.
The other check of course is to just run it, and if the bearings fail, you know there is a problem. Not my first recommendation, but hey, just saying. Or, if you have been running it without failure, its probably OK.
 
Model A oil pumps don't just fail. If someone left the spring out that keeps upward tension on it then it could drop down causing a failure. If this engine has been in service for more than 50 miles then obviously the pump is in there and working.

Folks just don't think about how hot oil flows. The only way you would ever find droplets of oil or even a visible film on that gear is if you ran it cold for a very brief period and almost immediately pulled that cover. I'd be shocked if there was a problem.
 
False Alarm! I fired her up with the side timing gear cover off this morning and saw good flow entering the chamber. I'll proceed with installation of the filter system, reassured that I'm not overlooking a problem.

Thanks for the hand holding here. Guess I'm a bit like a first time mother with a new baby. Lacking much experience yet, I'm reacting to potential signs of trouble. However, with your help I'm enjoying the learning process (which is really why I bought the car this year).
 
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