Optimal Oil Pressure

[KzooMuscle]

I was cruising the other night and happen to notice my oil pressure was hitting 17-18 at idle and was between 35-45 at wot...I know the general rule of thumb is 10psi for every 1000rpms, but this is the first time noticing the low drop at idle. Should I be concerned because it's new? What could cause a drop, if I was in the mid 20s prior?

Thanks!

 

[01yellercobra]

That does sound low for a modular engine. How new is it?

Also, you might want to try the new edge forum.

 

[KzooMuscle]

The motor has approximately 1500-1700 miles, but by "new" I mean, the low PSI is new. I did do some racing on Friday...I wonder if that had any effects on it. Car seems to run fine...and maybe it's hit 17-18 before and I just never noticed it until now?? I'll drive it a bit more when the weather clears up but I'm just concerned. I swear I never noticed it this low the past couple weeks but I could have just missed it. I just want to know if I should be concerned or not.

 

[fbody83]

engine wear can cause a lower pressure because as you wear the bearings down the clearance increases, which then decreases oil pressure. I wouldn't be concerned at the idle psi but you should be seeing more at WOT. What weight oil are you running? If I were you, I would do an oil change and while draining it let some drain into a cup so you can examine it.

 

[oldmodman]

Can you put a mechanical oil pressure gauge on the engine?
Quite a few people have had faulty senders on their electric gauges.

Then if you get that low a reading that suddenly became low it's time to look for a new mechanical fault. Could be something as simple as a stuck pressure relief valve in your oil pump.

Or as serious as a internal pump failure, or a bearing going bad.

How rapidly did the problem show up? Good one minute and low the next? Can you talk to your engine builder?

 

[ashleyroachclip]

Your idle pressure is fine. What you did not say is what we're your rpm`s at when you were at wot.

I have a 347 , 68 flat tappet engine that I built 14 years ago, that at an idle hot , as in coolant temperature has 190 to 200 , isles at 950 rpm and oil pressure is around 15-20, and at 6500-7000 rpm is at 65 pounds.

It had been this way for the last 4-5 years , and has had MANY bottles of n2o through it , and many miles on it .

Point is to monitor your higher rpm pressure .