Worn Bearings and Low Oil Pressure
Symptoms
Oil pressure drops below 20 psi at idle when hot. Knocking noise from the bottom end, particularly under load. May also develop a deep rumble at idle.
Cause
The Grey Motor uses plain bearings (babbit metal shells) for the mains and big ends. After 70+ years, even well-maintained engines have worn bearings. The oil pump is a gear-type unit that also wears over time, reducing oil flow.
Fix
A bottom-end rebuild, new main bearings, big-end bearings, thrust washers, and an oil pump rebuild or replacement.
The crank should be checked for wear and reground if necessary.
Budget $1,500-2,500 at a machine shop experienced with these engines.
The Grey Motor is simple to strip and reassemble, a skilled home mechanic can do this in a weekend with the engine out of the car.
Know something we don't?
Owned a Holden FJ / FE / FC? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.
Submit an update