Hello. I have a low miles VVT engine I just put into a 94. Stock untouched bottom end, new Boundary oil pump, I am getting zero oil pressure on an aftermarket gauge and zero pressure on factory gauge. Engine was never started up by me before install. The pan was off when I drilled and welded the AN return fitting in.

I have pulled the plug in the oil pump under the alternator. The plug bottom was wet with oil. I tried using a syringe to fill the hole with oil and it was full. The turbo is getting plenty of oil out of the drain hose, filter is full of oil. I had also primed the turbo with the spark plugs out before starting and was getting oil flow out the return. Oil level is full on the stick. The stock oil sender is installed on the sandwich plate along with the oil feed line. The aftermarket oil sender is off the vvt hardline to the block.

I have run the engine twice for roughly 15-20 secs each time and shut it off due to zero oil pressure. Does this sound like a stuck relief valve or something else? TIA!

 

Someone on Trackable Miatas has helped me come to the conclusion that the head gasket is in the incorrect orientation, I did replace it before installing the engine. I will see this weekend after pulling the head.

 

Vvt and OEM sender will get pressure with a backwards head gasket. Just cams won’t. Sounds like a stuck relief valve to me

 

Yeah im thinking the HG is correct. I have felt around the base of the head feeling for the two brass rivets holding the HG together(red circles) andf they are correct. I have also felt for the tabs (green circles) and cannot feel them overhanging as if the HG was placed incorrectly.

I pulled the valve cover and there is oil over both cams, so I dont think the oil port to the head is blocked. Much more oil on the intake side as I would guess the VVT line provides more oil on that side.

I am guessing the relief valve is stuck or I didnt place the oring on the pump correctly or forgot it, which I looked through my gaskets and havent found it.

 

I was going to guess the oil ring.

 

SO, as it turns out the Innovate oil pressure/oil temp gauge has two 3 pin leads from the back of the gauge. I swapped plugs, fired the engine and BAM, 70psi! No idea why the stock gauge isnt working. I did use some shop air and a rubber hose to the sender before firing the engine to make sure the gauge was functioning, when it didnt, I tore into the wiring for the gauges and found the other plug. Thanks for your help guys!

My last name is Murphy, I usually live Murphys law, but this time it worked out.

 

Hello,

The first thing that came to my mind is the gasket on the oil pick up tube that attaches to oil pump. I have a boundary pump on my vvt build as well I'm a not to impressed with the housing they used to put their gears in. I should have only purchased the gears and put it in my factory pump. Good luck on chasing your gremlins.