oil pressure
- Thread starter rudy herrera
- Start date
mc0311grunt
Member
67coupe
Founding Member
Cold (ambient) oil will always have a higher pressure than oil at operating temps (200F). So, what you're seeing is normal. That being said, a "real" oil pressure gauge is highly recommended over the stock one (which have a reputation for being very inaccurate).
As long as you hear no abnormal noises from the engine, you most likely have no problem. If you want to verify this, buy a $20 mechanical oil pressure gauge at the local auto parts store. Install it in a temporary manner. Start engine, take a cold idle reading. Rev engine to 2500 or so, take another cold reading. Repeat the same two steps after a 15- 20 minute drive. Once you've taken the reading, re-install the stock sending unit.
Cold idle should be 35-60psi. Hot idle should be 20-35psi. Note: I've listed a fairly large range as I don't know the history of your engine or type/viscosity oil being used.
As long as you hear no abnormal noises from the engine, you most likely have no problem. If you want to verify this, buy a $20 mechanical oil pressure gauge at the local auto parts store. Install it in a temporary manner. Start engine, take a cold idle reading. Rev engine to 2500 or so, take another cold reading. Repeat the same two steps after a 15- 20 minute drive. Once you've taken the reading, re-install the stock sending unit.
Cold idle should be 35-60psi. Hot idle should be 20-35psi. Note: I've listed a fairly large range as I don't know the history of your engine or type/viscosity oil being used.
dls322
Member
Yeah the stock oil presure gauges are junk. If your oil pressure is dropping when you are increasing RPM's, then you have a bad sending unit or a big problem. Oil sending unit is easy to get at, it's on the front drivers side of the engine.
I replaced mine with a mechanical unit and have a copper line run up to the dash. I also wired in a sensor that sets off a warning light when the oil pressure drops.
I replaced mine with a mechanical unit and have a copper line run up to the dash. I also wired in a sensor that sets off a warning light when the oil pressure drops.
67coupe
Founding Member
+1
I knew I left something out.
If the gauge drops with RPM = bad.
If the gauge drops with engine temp = normal.
I knew I left something out.
If the gauge drops with RPM = bad.
If the gauge drops with engine temp = normal.
bad as in bad sending unit?
bad as in low oil in motor?
bad as in oil pump taking a dump?
67coupe
Founding Member
First, I wouldn't trust the stock gauge at all.
But bad as in not good for the long term health of the engine. Could be any of the three you listed.
But bad as in not good for the long term health of the engine. Could be any of the three you listed.
