[DeTomaso] Yellow Ebay/Craigslist 72 For Sale Recently in Seattle Area - need diagnostic help

[Larry Finch]

Mike,

I think the most common problem for a seized oil pump on a stock motor is debris from the stock black rubber umbrella valve stem seals. They become very brittle with age, fall apart into little pieces, find their way down to the oil pan and from there it is only a matter of time until a big enough one manages to squeeze through the oil pump screen. If this is the failure mode, a removal of a valve cover would likely provide confirmation. Of course the only reasonable solution at that point is at least a rebuild of both heads with proper new Teflon seals. Of course, you would also have to remove the oil pan to clean out the debris and free the oil pump. But how many other rubber pieces remain within the engine block's oiling system, that are destined to repeat the cycle, would be anyone's guess.

Larry

Sent from me using a magic, handheld electronic gizmo.