when warm and idle my oil pressure reads around 30. is that normal or too low? When first cold it reads at around 45-50. Just want to know if Im killing my engine and should get it checked out. It dosent tap or anything.

 

Have you measured it with a mechanical gauge? The rule of thumb I was taught is 10PSI for every 1000RPM. Your gague may be off or your pump may be going. Then again, it may be fine!

 

i just go by the gauge on the console. It might just need an oil change. Would a dirty filter cause the pressure to drop alot? Maybe its normal to be like that. I just dont wanna mess my baby up.

 

Well, here is what happens on mine. At cold startup it reads 60psi. after about 10 minutes it goes down to about 30 unless I am on the highway and have not stopped the car. Kind of weird but I'm not too worried. I used a mechanical gauge and found my dash gauge to be fairly accurate. Remember that oil is much thicker when its cold and therefore harder to pump. I would assume that a dirty oil filter would cause pressure changes too. I replace my oil filter every 2500 miles and fuel filter every spring and fall.

 

its no problem....

at hot idle, my mechanical gauge reads only 18psi.

it has done this ever since installing the motor, and that was about 8000miles ago.

of course, it goes up when I hit the gas....up to 60 if I floor it, it generally goes up 20 psi for every 1000rpm.

 

Your oil pressure should be higher when cold, and drop when warm. Higher rpms will increase oil pressure. If it acts differently replace your oil sender.

 

as already stated, the rule of thumb is 10 psi per 1000 rpm when up to operating temp. If you have 30 when your idling and warm i would not worry about it. My old 200 000 km 305 had 10 psi at idle and maxed out at 30 when warm no matter what grade oil i used, and yes this was on a mechanical guage. There was no knocking or ticking, and i regularily beat the hell out of it . The only reason i pulled it was to move to a slightly bigger engine :P

 

awesome!! thanks everyone. I kinda figured if it as too low Id heary lifters at least start to tap. Thanks for the info.

 

When warm, my idle is right near the bottom red line - but just a slight tap on the gas (bring rpm's up to maye 750 to 1000, from 550'ish) brings pressure to 30 (on the dash guage) It doesnt go above 30, except when cold - it'll reach up to 40 sometimes. This doesnt seem to fit with what you are saying! I do need to change my oil and filter, but its not dire - I am at about 2500 miles or so, and oil on dip stick looks ok.....

 

well, got my oil changed today and now the needle response has improved dramtacily. by the way youd be surprised how a chassis lube will help ya out. Helped me out anyway.