I just had a short block (86 truck, 22R carbureted) built by a local machine shop. They did the machine work and installed the crank and rods only. I put the rest together using the old oil pump with low miles and working fine when removed. I have no oil pressure. I removed and looked at the pressure valve, if it was stuck closed I sure can't tell. When I installed the oil under pressure, twice, through the pressure sender opener I did not see any oil at the rocker assembly as I did once before on a different build. I have the Toyota factory manual, other than the obvious main bearings in upside down is there any other logical cause for this? It is barely making a couple pounds of pressure but nothing showing up at the rockers, pressure light remains on, did run the electric fuel pump via the safety oil pressure switch, does partially fill the filter.
I have strong mechanical and diagnostic skills. A new pump will arrive Saturday. Bought it new in '86, always done all my own work, but this is a new (used) block and I didn't install the crank bearings.

 

Leak in the pickup tube..

Failed to prime pump with petroleum jelly..

​​pump to shaft interface not mating..

*shrug* just a few guesses off the top of my head for no pressure.

You said you are getting some pressure.

If the bearings have the ports on the wrong sides you would have excess pressure. To be a crank bearing issue they would have to be the wrong size to bleed it off.

 

Thank you. All the pump parts are there and facing the correct direction. No indication of galling or parts interference. Never had to prime one before, always had light out within ten seconds. I'm resigned to pulling it back out and examining everything in detail. One thing I am convinced of is they installed the rear main seal block without the gasket but I don't believe there is any pressure function there. Am I wrong? I stupidly assumed any parts they installed requiring gaskets got them. I already discovered the missing oil tube gasket and installed that. I'm wondering if there is an oil galley plug missing somewhere so it is pumping but not making it upstairs and not creating pressure. Maybe just blowing it all back in to the pan.

 

There is a main gally plug right below the filter, that would do it.

 

That is where my sender mounts and where I installed the temporary pressure gauge. There is another just forward of there (inside the motor mount) that my electric fuel pump safety switch sits in.

 

Below that, inside the pan..

https://www.lceperformance.com/Engine-Rebuild-Oil-Galley-Plug-Kit-20R-22R-RE-R-p/1013023.htm

Fourth image..

 

I believe that Co '94 is refering to a galley plug that exists inside the oil pan at that location. I know that there is one there.

 

Thank you. In which case any oil pumped is going straight back into the pan. That would neatly explain it. I will let you know after I will find it on my old block tomorrow.

 

I found that plug on my old block just as you said. I won't even attempt a restart until I know the status of that plug on the new engine. Again thank you.

 

I pulled the engine out and opened it up and that plug was missing. I'm confident it will make good oil pressure now. I pulled a rod cap and it looked fine. Again thank you both.