stock 360 oil pressure is

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abodyhotrod

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hey just noticed oil pressure seems to be dropping at idle to below 14, 13 seems low but still max is 60, any suggestions
 
I thought the rule of thumb was 10psi per 1000 rpm's.
What did it used to be?
What kind of motor is it?
 
Yes the general rule has always been 10 psi for every 1000 rpm. LAte model cars typically run less oil pressure but 14 psi at idle is just fine.

Also, don't take the gauge as gospel, get another and verify especially if you are using the factory gauge.
 
dgc333 said:
Yes the general rule has always been 10 psi for every 1000 rpm. LAte model cars typically run less oil pressure but 14 psi at idle is just fine.

Also, don't take the gauge as gospel, get another and verify especially if you are using the factory gauge.
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Is is getting a little lower, but it fine, as long as there is no valvetrain noise or knocking. As long as it goes up, that is just fine.

Run Rotella or Delo 15w40 and enjoy her.
 
Is this a rebuilt engine or a high mileage engine?

What I'm reading sems like a high mileage engine clearances getting larger.
 
this is a six year old block with less than 75000 miles.
always seemed to be above 14 psi. oh well
n-e ways guys thank alot that really helps
 
I would switch to 20w-50 oil. If you really want to go all out, drop the oil pan and put a brand new oil pump in it.

But it should be OK as is. Your motor is just showing its age.
 
13 or 14 psi is 100% fine. Before I was a Mopar guy I raced Buicks and they only had about 8psi at idle but jumped right up to 80 psi when throttled. I ran them for years with the idle pressures like that with no issues.

Run it.

Chuck
 
I agree that your in good shape still. The 20-50 switch should be done in warm weather if you do switch.
 
as i am new to mopar,used to be a ford guy.ive never seen the inside of a mopar small block.i know my old dorfs had to utilize a hardened oil pump drive if ya switch to heavy oil or they would round off and strip the distributor out cuz they are just a long hex key. is that a concern with the mopar?i have seen the fords do this on many occasions.
 
No it's not a problem, but, Mopar does sell one that has a hardened tip and is a good part to upgrade with. It should be used in a race car or heavy street strip car. Just incase kind of thing.
 
rumblefish360 said:
No it's not a problem, but, Mopar does sell one that has a hardened tip and is a good part to upgrade with. It should be used in a race car or heavy street strip car. Just incase kind of thing.
Click to expand...
just thought id throw that out, thanks for the info. im learning
 
13 PSI at idle is fine. Things to watch out for:

Oil pressure not up to "normal" by 2500 RPM or so. "Normal" is where the pressure levels off due to bypass opening. Typically 45-50 PSI

Oil pressure dropping at higher RPM's this is a symptom of excessive rod bearing clearance.

Using a heavier oil to bring pressure up. The pressure is higher due to the oil's resistance to flow. The idea is to get oil flow, not see how many horsepower you can waste spinning the pump.
 
Most senders for oil indicater lights turn the light off at 7 to 9 lbs. Those would flicker on and off at a red light idleing in drive on worn and warmed automatic cars. A gauge is nice but can be worrisome too. Both a gauge and a warning light onboard is optimum setup. We really should watch the road and not the gauges.
 
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