What would low oil pressure mean on a good running car?

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Dec 6, 2001 | 11:37 PM
  #1  
I have a problem my oil pressure is very low be fore I did the oil change it was fine
I don’t see any oil leaking but if I ad a quart the oil pressure go’s up for a bout 15 min then very low but the car’s running fine the whole time
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Dec 6, 2001 | 11:41 PM
  #2  
What is the pressure?

Usually 10psi for every 1000 RPM is all they really need.

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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

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Dec 6, 2001 | 11:45 PM
  #3  
So what would that mean I have like no oil press
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Dec 6, 2001 | 11:47 PM
  #4  
The gauge reads 0-10 psi
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Dec 7, 2001 | 12:08 AM
  #5  
Check your dipstick to make sure you have oil. If you are reading the gage at idle, it should be under 10psi on a warm engine. Like engineboy said 10psi for every 1000RPM is ideal.

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1989 Formula 350
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Dec 7, 2001 | 11:56 AM
  #6  
How old is this oil? If it's older than you are, and running off of the stick like **** on a post, then you need to change your oil, and preferably to a heavier weight for a couple thousand miles.
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Dec 7, 2001 | 11:57 AM
  #7  
Don't cross out the idea that your pump or gauge could take a crap.
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Dec 7, 2001 | 01:12 PM
  #8  
i have i just checked the dip stick the oil is fine what's up
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Dec 7, 2001 | 01:21 PM
  #9  
don't rely on the dash oil pressure gauge. if you can get one, get an aftermarket gauge and check it with that. that way you know what the oil pressure really is. chances are, you have a faulty oil pressure sending unit or flakey gauge.

other then that, if you find out for sure that your oil pressure is dropping like that, then i'd look into cam bearings going out.
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Dec 7, 2001 | 02:39 PM
  #10  
If the valvtrain's not rattling when it shows very low,it's probably the oil pressure sender.Mine's been erratic for a long time.Finally replaced it when I replaced the motor.
A good mechanical gauge will give you peace of mind.I added mechanical gauges for oil pressure and water temp as soon as I started to have troubles with the factory sending units.
Otherwise, like engineboy said, 10 psi for every 1000 rpm minimum is the rule of thumb.
-Rich-
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Dec 7, 2001 | 02:48 PM
  #11  
Could be many different things wrong and I am not about to guess.

However, DO NOT INVEST TO MUCH TRUST IN THESE IN DASH GAUGES!!! They are not gospel.

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1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
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