First off hello everyone and thanks for reading. I am new and this is my first post and i appreciate any replies. I have an 82 rs w/ a 67 283 in it. oil pressure is fine when cool but about 190 degrees at idle its about 5lbs. taking off it gains and stays about 20lbs. between 1500 and 3000 rpm. 3000 and up it will stay about 30lbs. I know this isnt normal pressures and there is a knock sometimes when reving. not sure what to do really, is it safe to drive? or should i start lookin for a 350 lol? help please....

 

Acceptable clearances in the engine may be bad. Oil pump may be bad. Happened on my old 305 (only got about 200 miles before she finally gave in.) Remember the oil pump puts out volume of oil. The clearances in the engine make it "pressurized". Now there are many other possibilities but you said you also have a knock so chances are the engine is on it's way out. But, you can try thicker oil for now, maybe you'll get some more life out of her. If you change the oil pump, might as well swap out the engine, have to pull it out anyways. Try to locate the knock first, change the oil, DONT just go out and buy a new engine yet for something I said. I could be wrong. I actually hope I'm wrong so you get more life out of it. Good luck!

 

Before panic buttons are hit, replace the op sender and/or try another gauge if possible. Both are known to be less than accurate.

 

I can see how that may be a problem. But he said he has a knock And the oil spikes when revving it up higher. Usually a sign of low oil (most likely not his case) or bad clearances. Now some spike is normal like going from 10-40 but he says his pressure dips too low. But your right to try the other possibilities first instead of spending a lot of time and money doing something unnecessary.

 

i put in brad new gauges less than 2 months ago and i hate to pull the motor back out.. :/ it does use oil and i can tell when its low. when its full put some stp or lucas in and it stops for a while but returns. i really need this car for a daily driver (did have a 350 but spun rod) and i just dont want to end up stranded on the highway again lol.

 

If its a daily driver, then I would advise in checking the pressure sending unit, and anything else that you think may be a problem. But, if you do buy an engine go junkyard itll cost about $300 for now. Hope everything works out, if you have any other questions just ask.

 

I had a simalar issue yrs ago and it turned out to that the pickup on the oil pump had fallen off..