Engine - Low Oil Pressure/Oil Sludge Build-Up
88ford18
Article No. 88-17-8
ENGINE OIL - LOW PRESSURE - 5.0L - OIL SLUDGING - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/30/87
FORD: 1983-86 LTD
1983-88 MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD, CROWN VICTORIA
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1983-86 CAPRI, MARQUIS
1983-87 CONTINENTAL
1983-88 COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VII, LINCOLN TOWN CAR
ISSUE: Low oil pressure indicated by the oil pressure gauge or indicator lamp may be caused by oil sludge build-up in the engine. This may occur on engines that have as little as 30,000 miles. The sludge clogs the oil pickup tube screen and cover assembly causing low engine oil pressure.
ACTION: To correct this, install a new oil pickup tube screen and cover assembly and a new PCV valve. Also install a new crankcase ventilation oil separator element on 1986-88 model year vehicles. Refer to the following procedure for service details.
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED TO THE CUSTOMER TO PREVENT SLUDGE BUILD-UP.
^ Use good quality SF multi-grade engine oil.
^ Change oil at shorter intervals. Recommend a 3,000 mile (4,800 kilometer) interval.
^ Remind owner of the definitions of normal and severe service.
^ Point out that both drain plugs must be removed during an oil change to completely drain oil pan.
^ Suggest that police vehicles use an oil cooler.
^ If hours, rather than miles, are used as service intervals, 100 hour oil and filter change intervals should be recommended.
^ Change PCV valve at 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers).
^ Change the crankcase ventilation oil separator element at 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers) on 1986-88 model year vehicles.
Service Procedure:
1. Clean engine (with steam or use a suitable degreaser).
2. With oil pressure gauge, T73L-6600-A or equivalent, check oil pressure. It should be 40-60 psi at 2,000 RPM (normal operating temperature). If not, go Step 3.
3. Remove rocker arm covers. Refer to appropriate Car Shop Manual. Clean inside of rocker arm covers.
4. With a brush and kerosene, clean cylinder head and valve train components. Do not damage valve stem oil seals.
5. Clean out oil drain back holes with a wire brush and kerosene.
6. Remove intake manifold assembly. Refer to appropriate Car Shop Manual.
7. Using a wire brush, kerosene, and a shop vacuum cleaner, clean deposits from the underside of intake manifold and top of cylinder block. Be sure that crossover cover is removed to allow cleaning in that area also.
8. Flush clean areas with fresh engine oil.
9. Install heat crossover cover.
10. Install intake manifold assembly.
11. Install rocker arm covers.
12. Remove oil pan assembly. Refer to appropriate Car Shop Manual.
13. Remove oil pump pickup tube screen and cover assembly and replace with new screen and cover assembly (E7PZ-6622-A).
14. Clean inside of oil pan and reinstall pan.
15. Clean inside of air cleaner tray and install a new PCV filter (breather pack).
16. Install a new crankcase ventilation oil separator element on 1986-88 model year vehicles. The element is located in the lower intake manifold under the PCV valve.
17. Remove existing PCV valve and install new PCV valve. Refer to the following service application chart for the correct PCV valve.
Application Service Part/PCV Valve
1983-88 Vehicles with E7TZ-6A666-A
CFI/EFI
1983-85 Vehicles with D9ZZ-6A666-A
Carburetor
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E7PZ-6622-A Oil Pickup Tube Screen B
and Cover Assembly
E7TZ-6A666-A PCV Valve B
D9ZZ-6A666-A PCV Valve AG
E6ZZ-6A631 -A Crankcase Ventilation
Element C
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: Supersedes 87-8-6, 88-5-10
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Emission Warranty Coverage
OPERATION: 881708A
TIME: 9.3 Hrs., 1983-86 Vehicles
9.4 Hrs., 1987-88 Vehicles
DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 6A666
Condition Code: 55