Well, ever since Waterford Track Day, I've had lower oil pressure. Theres no ticking or knocking. I really pushed my little 3.1 out on the track, engine temp went up to halfway on the guage (200-220) which is really hot for a moving temp. I drained the oil, and it looks like I've got bearing wear by the shimmer in the oil. Its not alot, but it is noticable. So - the question is - can the lower bearings (rod & mains) be replaced in car? or just the rod bearings? or just not worry about it, since I'm not ticking or knocking, and the oil guage only just touches red after being on the freeway - it used to be just 1 line above red after being on the freeway.

Wow.... glad I'm not the only one [not glad that it happened to you too, but glad that it's not something mysterious] I think I was right behind you on our first run on Waterford (Group 2/Session 3).

Anyway - I am experiencing the same thing you are... really low oil pressure on my 3.1L V6, especially after being on the highway for an extended period of time. (I didn't think to check the temp on the track, but yesterday on the highway the temp never went above 211 with the A/C running, or 220 without).

I'm going to drain the oil and see how it looks... but I too would be interested in hearing what anyone with experience in this area might suggest!

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Looking for Fiero posters?

[This message has been edited by MinnGreenGT (edited 07-21-2003).]

you can replace all the bearings not just the rod bearings - but it may require removing the transmission - its a good idea to do them all at the same time - also a good idea to measure them and make sure you don't need slightly oversized bearings

220F is nothing. Worry at 265+ after it boils over.

I doubt that caused the problem.

quote Originally posted by TK: 220F is nothing. Worry at 265+ after it boils over. I doubt that caused the problem.

I know the temp isnt the problem. I just mentioned that because that is WAY hotter than normal for my car. I've got a cold stat & fan switch, so since then, my temp never goes past 1/4. It used to goto 1/2 when standing still with the old stat & switch, so I know it can handle that. Anyways, I switched from 5-30 to 10-30, (Mobil 1 - always) and it seems more normal now - or should I say what I'm used to seeing - not sure what normal is. But I feel like I put alot of years on the engine in them 2 15 minute sessions. Its like all the old cars, where the oil light comes on when you come off the freeway. Anyways, I know I wore the bearings some, and going to replace sometime this summer, doesnt seem urgent yet, no ticking or knocking.

Pyrithian - glad to hear that you're going to keep running the car. I drove mine last night for a club meeting, but I probably won't again until after I get a chance to change the oil sometime this week.

Sad part is that I only have about 27k miles on the rebuilt 3.1L ...guess I might have to move the V8 swap up on my list a little more.

yeah, mine is a fresh 3.1 also, 15k miles on it. Thats why I thought I could really beat on it. I've only run Mobil 1 in it. I know I took ALOT of life out of it, but it was well worth it! I dont think I'm ever gonna get to drive like that again, and if I get the chance, I'll do it again! drive home with a knocking, smoking roach of a car! just like mudding in my 4x4 - you aint having fun till you sink in the mud!

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1985 Fiero SE
Plain Red V6 Coupe

The track day shouldn't have caused the low oil pressure situation alone. I've run my 2.8 for 9 years on the track with out problems.

Now there is one thing that I ran in to after my rebuild during year 10. I had low oil pressure going in to left hand turns at one of the tracks I run. I had to give up the weekend and determine the problem.

What had happened is that the rebuild had caused the tight fit the oil pickup usually has to change. The oil pickup came loose during practice and that's what caused the oil pressure to drop.

It's not an uncommon problem and usually the builder will either use a new pickup or tack the old one in place. Your problem could be this or of course something totally different. Just that I'd pass on my experiences.

I had no signs in the oil, but at just over 38K (last year) , the OP would drop to about 15 PSI at idle. No knocking to indicate a bearing problem. Since I'm just a little anal about my engines, I dropped the pan.

3 toasted main bearings and 2 bad rod bearings. None had spun, but all were badly gouged. All were replaced from under the car, and a new standard volume oil pump was put in too. Tranny (4-speed) was not touched. It would be a really good idea to mic the journals to check for a bad crank.

It never drops below 30 now, even after 2 hours at 90MPH.

just a follow up - probably saw the other threads on this, but anyways...
It was a badly worn bearing. It didnt spin. It didnt damage the crank, rod or cap. I dropped the pan, polished the crank journal, put in a new bearing.