I have an 88 Camaro that I swapped to a carbureted 350 over the summer. The engine was professionally rebuilt and installed by me. After install I waited about 500 miles and changed the oil and filter. It was about another 500 miles or so, and the oil pressure gauge started acting up, dropping completely to 0 psi and then jumping back up to normal. I didn't think much of it at first, it's an old car and has the potential to have a gauge malfunction. I kept driving it, and things went well until the engine started making noise. I immediately killed the engine and had it towed home. I changed the oil and filter, started it up and it ran like a champ! I figured maybe the filter was plugged from small debris during break in. About another 500 miles later same story! With fresh oil everything is great, she runs wonderfully, but it only takes about 500 miles and I'm having to change it again! Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

The pickup could have fallen off the pump (unfortunately, not unheard of with fresh rebuilds). After an oil change, the level is still high enough in the sump to cover the pump inlet. 500 miles later, a little bit of oil consumption, and the level drops just low enough to momentarily uncover the inlet.

 

That would be his best outcome. A rebuilt motor having to be re-done again would be bad

 

Sounds like it's time to drop an oil pan to take a looksee.

 

Does pressure drop more often when you brake or turn?

 

Normally, it shouldn't drop below 30, maybe a little less, provided the oil level is correct and isn't thin from being old or way too hot. If it's dropping to 0 and then jumping back up, there's cause for concern. Even if it's a quart low, it shouldn't be doing that.

 

The fact that it started making noise when this started should be cause for concern. It's possible that the pickup fell off or a mounting bolt worked it's way loose and fell out. The pump may be sucking air at the gasket area at times during turns or breaking. You won't know for sure until you drop the pan and look.

 

I looked more into the possibility of the pickup having fallen off and it seems like that is the case, all of the symptoms that others have described when having that issue match-up with what I've been experiencing. That will at least give me somewhere to start looking. Thanks everyone for your input!!

 

You may want to consider welding it to the pump next time.

 

I will certainly do so, hopefully that's the issue!