latly my 89 formula lo3 (305 tbi) has been running with very low oil pressure at idle not much more then 15 lbs any suggestions as to what can be causing this and what can be done to fix it.

 

What's the oil pressure when you are normally driving it? Does the pressure go back up to it's normal readings while cruising or not?

When was the last time you changed your oil?

Do you only get a low reading after the car has been driven for a while or when you first start it up after sitting for hours on end (cold)?

Later,
Mike

 

when driving pressure goes up to about 32 at WOT changed oil last month about 1500 miles ago.

 

oil pressure is low when warm and cold

 

It's the oil pressure sending unit. The thing right above the oil filter that is screwed into the block. Mine did the SAME thing about 4 months ago, except at idle mine would drop down to 1 or 2 lbs at idle. Let me tell ya the first time I noticed the gauge that low while sitting at a stop light in the middle of Boston rush hour (when it normally would be at 45-50 lbs at idle) I was FREAKING OUT!!!

Turned out it was just the sending unit. Get a new one, put it on and you'll have piece of mind once again!!

 

do i have to remove the oil filter to get to it? and if i dont will i lose oil when removing it? thanks

 

Nope, don't have to remove the oil filter. However, you will need to get an OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT SOCKET to remove and replace the unit itself.

You can pick these up at NAPA or Autozone along with the sending unit. ($15-$20 for the socket).

You will get a little drainage of oil after removing it, but all you need is a couple of shop towels handy to wipe up the drips.

Later,
Mike

 

I wish I had known they made one of those before I did mine last winter!!! Take Nitroburn's advise and pick up the socket.

 

If you have a lot of miles on the engine it might be getting close to rebuild time. Might be the bearings are starting to wear out. MAYBE!!