Oil Pressure Question

Today when I started my Barracuda up, it seemer like it took a little longer than usual for the oils pressure to come up to the 60 psi that it tends to run at when cold. it also seemed that there was some valvetrain noise for the 2-3 seconds before the pressure came up.

I run an autometer mechanical oil pressure guage, and 10W30 oil.

Once the pressure came up it seemed to quiet back down.

Pressure seemed normal while driving at first, but I was noticing a very quick drop in pressure while braking hard. Pressure would drop down to around 5psi and then would go back up to 25-30 psi which is quite normal for my car to idle at one the oil is warmed up.

Oil pressure is very constant at 60 psi while on the throttle, or cruising speeds. I will drive around a bit more later today and report if I notice any other anomolies.

Any suggestions?

Robb, i know this sounds kinda simple, but it almost sounds like there's hardly any oil in the pan!
Did you confirm the level?
I know you don't drive the car a lot or at least you didn't used to.
Don't ask how i know this! :-D
Tom.

Low oil level would be my first guess too. After that the gauge is suspect.
ps Cheap oil filters that dont contain a drain check or backflow check will cause extended rattle time at start up

I did Check the oil this morning before I started it up, as it has been sitting for a while, and I was about a 1/4 of an inch below the Full line. I will check it again hot and see if this makes a difference.

Robb, like the guys said check your oil level and if it's good try adding 1/2 quart. The noise you're hearing is probably just a lazy lifter, my engine does the same thing if I haven't run it for a couple weeks, then goes away after about 5 seconds. If your level is good but you're still loosing oil pressure you may need a "deceleration" baffle in the oil pan. You should have it and an acceleration baffles installed anyway if you don't allready have them.

Terry

Where would I get that baffle work done?

Well its official I'm an idiot!!

When the motor was warmed up I was down a full Liter of Oil (Thats a quart for you folks south of the border) 8) Topped her up and everything is back to normal. I guess all the oil in the block must have worked its way back down into the pan, giving me a false full.

I guess this motor is burning some oil, as it does not leak at all.