my oil pressure in my '89 camaro rs (305 v8) is at 15 when im punching it... when at idle with the brakes on at a stoplight it sits right on top of where the orange starts... is this bad and if so what should it be? how would i fix this?

 

Try replacing the sender for the oil pressure gauge first.

 

i think first step would be to check your oil low volume = low pressure(and a screwed engine) Also are your vavle covers or oil pan leaking??? THis can also cause bad pressure, my passenger valve cover was pissing oil out the front when i punched it and after i replaced it my pressure went up to 15 at idle (i think, itsa late i cant remember well lol) First just check your oil and visually check over the gaskets, if no leaks are apparent check the sending unit

 

I was wondering, what do you guys get for oil pressure at the higher RPM's? I get about 20 at warm idle, 30 while cruising, and 35-40 while at the higher RPM's.

I really want to try going through 4500RPM, but I dont feel comfortable because such low pressure. My dads 4.3 blazer gets like 60 -70 psi in the mid RPM's, and never below 40 at idle!

 

10 PSI per 1000 RPM is more than enough.

 

Only true if the oil level is below the pump pick-up or close enough to suck some air.

Excessive volume will also = low pressure when the crank whips the oil into a foam.

 

****, that means that I cant be going past 4000 anymore. I really need to upgrade the oil pump some day.

 

I think you're placing too much stock in the factory gauge's reading.

 

ok so whats really weird is yesterday when i posted it was around 65 degrees outside... today being 30 degrees made my oil pressure sit at 30... any ideas? its odd that temp would have an effect

 

Not really.

 

well in any case its best to make sure your oil isnt low ^_^ ANY WAY i think Aperion is right, you sure its not just the factory gauge? They can be pretty screwy, i mean come on they're pushing nearly 20 years now lol

 

im sure its not low because i just bought it on monday... they changed the oil and gave me a new filter that day sooooo.....

 

Get a new oil pressure sender and see what happens. They are only like $20 at most stores.

 

Well temperature has a hugh affect on my oil pressure. If it idles real cold in the morning, it idles about 40. If I rev it real cold, it will peg the guage.

Then when its warm, it will idle at 20 and never get past 45.

 

thats exactly how my car is... i guess my main question is... is there anything to worry about?

 

Thats messed up, as there is no pressure fed oil that would leak out of that valve cover. Definately not affect oil pressure.

 

ok so checked the oil level and if anything its a bit high... just barely....
forgive because im new to working on cars but how do i check the oil pressure sender and what is it even?