Is this oil pressure ok?

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MoparMark91

MoparMark91

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Hey guys took a picture of my oil pressure at idle of 800 or so at red light? Is this okay for after engine had been been built? I was always told 1000= 10psi rule?

I know it's at a angle but it's right on that line between the 0 and 25

If I put it in neutral it gains a few psi at a stop

PXL_20200927_011458487.jpg
 
16013388322224793097132256048173.jpg

Straight from the manual for the 73 318 + 340 minimum pump pressure at idle 8 PSI. Operating pressure at 2000 engine RPM 30-80 lb.
Pressure drop resulting from clogged filter 7-9 lb.
 
MoparMark91 said:
Hey guys took a picture of my oil pressure at idle of 800 or so at red light? Is this okay for after engine had been been built? I was always told 1000= 10psi rule?

I know it's at a angle but it's right on that line between the 0 and 25

If I put it in neutral it gains a few psi at a stop

View attachment 1715602842
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Is the oil hot or cold when you took the picture?
What weight oil?
That looks low have you checked that gauge against another oil pressure gauge?
 
Last edited:
Jadaharabi said:
12 PSI at 800 RPM is better than 10 psi at 1000 RPM.
What is your pressure at 2000 RPM?
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Anything above 1500rpm I'm pushing past 50psi

The oil pressure increases really fast if it's anything off idle
 
Also am running 10w40

If I put it to 1000 then it sits at about 35-45 I would say? I feel like I'm fine but just getting second opinion
 
MoparMark91 said:
Also am running 10w40

If I put it to 1000 then it sits at about 35-45 I would say? I feel like I'm fine but just getting second opinion
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Have you tried it with 15 - 40?
What if you set the idle at 900?

You've got plenty of Cam in that motor it wouldn't hurt it a bit.
 
20 is plenty at idle.
The important thing is that it rises with rpm.
does it keep rising above 1500 rpm? How far?
if 10W-40 gets it to keep rising with higher rpms thats good.
If its topping out at 50 psi at 1500 rpm then I'd go with the 10W 30 or straight 30 and to try to get pressure to follow the rpms a little higher.
 
Usually what I’ve found with lower oil pressure at idle is cam bearing problems. Possibly it’s in the oil pump itself. I know they say ur pressure is ok at idle but to me it isn’t. Especially on a cammed up motor. Kim
 
oldkimmer said:
Usually what I’ve found with lower oil pressure at idle is cam bearing problems. Possibly it’s in the oil pump itself. I know they say ur pressure is ok at idle but to me it isn’t. Especially on a cammed up motor. Kim
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So your saying I should be a lot higher pressure at idle and it could be my cam bearings?
 
What post #2 says. I've never in my LIFE seen a spec given at idle. NEVER. That manual up there ^^^^ is the first time I've ever seen an idle spec and yours is WAY over that. If there's enough pressure to keep the light out, or push the needle up as high as yours, you're good. The spec is almost always given at 2000 RPM. You need not concern yourself with any other spec. Stop worrying about a problem you do not have.
 
Look at it this way, if your engine blows up due to low oil pressure, you have a great excuse for that stroker engine you always wanted.
 
First, I would verify the oil pressure by using a known good quality gauge and not just rely on the aftermarket one. If it's accurate, I would be a little uneasy. It seems a bit low to me.
 
So I haven't had a chance to put my oil pressure tester on it to first check if guage is reading accurate but that will be the first thing I do. I do also have a gallon of either vr1 20w50 or lucas 10w40. Should I stick with Lucas or go vr1?
 
MoparMark91 said:
So I haven't had a chance to put my oil pressure tester on it to first check if guage is reading accurate but that will be the first thing I do. I do also have a gallon of either vr1 20w50 or lucas 10w40. Should I stick with Lucas or go vr1?
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Oil viscosity is determined by crank and rod bearing clearance's.
 
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