No oil pressure

[Rj67cj6]

I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge. I've started the jeep up several times and let idle for several minutes, but I'm getting no oil pressure readings.
It is the 225 V6. The oil pump was inspected and packed with petroleum jelly when the engine was out of the jeep.
Is there any other way to check to make sure he oil pump is working? If the petroleum jelly trick didn't work, Is there any other way to prime the pump?
The tube used for the oil pressure gauge does have oil in it, however, it has air pockets in it.

Thanks in advance

 

[Torxhead]

If you have no oil pressure, I would think you would be getting plenty of lifter clatter. Since it would not be getting any oil to them.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Pull the valve cover and watch the engine run. You should see oil come'n off the valve-train.
LG

 

[Rj67cj6]

I'm guessing if it's low oil pressure it will probably be oozing, but if it is higher oil pressure it should be squirting out.
Should I remove both valve covers to make sure I'm getting pressure on both sides?
Does it take awhile before a mechanical oil pressure gauge is primed and working, or does the tubing have to fill up first?

Once again, thanks LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

Does it take awhile before a mechanical oil pressure gauge is primed and working, or does the tubing have to fill up first?

No, it should work right away.

 

[Rj67cj6]

Gotcha! Can't wait to get off of work to check this out. I hope I didn't do any damage to the engine!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[gutthans]

I would guess the gauge is shot. As stated, no pressure would have already given you valve clatter and rod knock...ergo you have pressure. If you don't have a puddle under the gauge, or it's block connector...then the gauge is broken (the plunger inside is busted!).

 

[Rj67cj6]

Funny you should mention puddles, when I first cranked it, I did not tighten the connectors for the tubing to the back of the pressure gauge. Started the jeep up and walked around to look at the engine and so forth came back to turn it off and ther was a huge puddle of oil on the floor that squirted out of the tube.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You did refill the case after that.
At idle-the oil should be drip'n off the valve train. Have rags handy--
LG

 

[Rj67cj6]

Well took off the valve cover and started engine did not see and flow of oil anywhere, I did notice some oil puddling in the corners that was not there when I put the engine back in, so some oil had to get up there somehow.

I tried posting a video but could not
Guess this means oil pump not working.
Engine sounded smooth, I heard a slit tapping sound but was very faint.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I wouldn't be running it any more until you replace the pump.

 

[Rj67cj6]

My thoughts exactly! Thanks for all the advice.

 

[gutthans]

Exactly HOW MUCH Vaseline did you put into the pump

May take a while to clear it sufficiently to get good flow...that'll mean getting the motor warmed up. Your pump apparently works, it just sounds like the Vaseline hasn't gotten absorbed (melted) enough by the cold oil...