what should the oil pressure be when the oil is at operating temperature. i get about 40 when cruising and about 20 when at idle. i think its a standard pressure pump. the oil is 10w-40

 

Your fine

 

The general rule of thumb for standard clearance bearings is 10 pounds per 1,000 RPM.

 

mine is doing the same thing, at idle it goes between 10-20, but when i give it gas it shoots up to past 40.

is this normal? by the way its aftermarket mechanical gauge.

 

Higher RPM turns the pump faster, hence more oil pressure. Makes sense, doesn't it?

 

obviously, im just askin if at idle 10-20 is ok, as say a month again it was constantly at 40, but i had some work done, nothin major, new balancer, timing pointer, rebuilt the carb, new valve covers.. since then oil at idle around 700-800 pressure is 10-20

 

Your oil pressure is fine,that is about normal.