Colin70

Well I got the exhaust manifold fixed, cost me a fortune, but while he was down there I asked the mechanic to check the sending unit for my oil pressure. I had been getting really low readings (right below 20) and was hoping it just wasn't sending right. Unfortunately, he said it's working fine. So, how do I go about diagnosing (sp?) this problem. I'm not leaking barely at all. What should the pressure be at normally? Thanks in advance. :smash:

Tom73

Colin,
The factory specs for my '73 is 40 psi at 2,000rpm.

tom...

68shark

More info needed....if just under 20, but engine hot, at idle speed, and with 10W30 oil, I would think this is quite acceptable. If this is the high end of your readings (various temps/rpms) then could be the sign of worn bearings or a "tired" engine in need of a rebuild. What conditions are present at your reported readings?

Colin70

It reads just under 20 when running at normal temp using 10w30 oil. The engine doesn't have too many miles on it, only 35g. Not sure what other conditions you're looking for, I'm still a little new at this whole thing.

68shark

I'm not an expert either Colin, but have learned from dealing with my own engine. I asked only because oil pressure does vary significantly based on engine temp (cold vs hot), rpms and oil viscosity. You probably notice that your engine pressure is significantly higher when engine cold, higher rpm's and if that is the case, I think your pressure as reported is ok.

Colin70

Thanks for the tips. The more I think about it, there must be something wrong w/ the gague. It reads relatively the same pressure no matter what temp the engine is at, what rpms, etc. Well, guess I'll just :smash: . Thanks again for the help.

Pedro'74

Colin,

Maybe you should consider hooking up a mechanical gauge temporarily. If you could borrow one, great; otherwise, they aren't expensive, and it'd be well worth it for the peace of mind it'd give ya...

-Pedro


[Modified by Pedro'74, 6:32 PM 4/22/2002]

WESCH

Hi Colin.
Now I'm lost. You mentioned that your mechanic checked the sending unit.
How did he do this without checking the gauge as well ?
Did he only visually check if it's there ? :lol:
I agree, hook up a outside gauge to doublecheck. After this you just need to troubleshoot and find out if it's the sender or gauge at fault.
Good luck. Gunther :seeya

virtue4u

If you did some major work on the engine where gasket material could get sucked up into the sump, then your oil flow will always be restricted regardless of the temperature or rpm. If this is the case, then you need to remove the oil pan and clean out the pan and sump.

Paul L

Colin,
On a very hot day at idle my stock 1979 will show just below 20psi. Moderate rpm city driving will see 35 and highway speeds about 45. That is with 10W-30 oil. My driver's manual states that this is normal.