What is Considered Good Oil Pressure?

im pretty sure ford uses a gerotor pump and chevy uses to gears meshing to pump there oil. the gerotor uses a gear in the center that turns a ring. it looks like this.




chevys looks like this

 

My 302 is about 65 psi at cold start, idles at 40 psi hot, runs at 55psi driving.....

 

Well, I changed the oil this morning, using 10W30 Valvaline plus a qt of Lucas oil treatment(I am sold on this product, use it in every oil change). Fired right up and almost went to 80 psi. I let it run for a bit, cheked the oil level, and restarted it, solid 75 psi. I then ran it until the thermostat opened, still solid 75 psi. When the thermostat opened, I shut it off, not because the oil pressure was affected, but because a ______ hole was in the radiator and coolant was shooting straight out into the shop!!!!!!!!..

Seems I have been here before, but that's a post for another thread. Gotta love these old cars, or they will drive you insane!!!!!!!!!!


Jim

 

Do plumbed oil guages return to 0 when off? Just curious.

 

I have a radiator if you need one N/C

 

Yep! Sorta slow when cold, but they should return to zero when engine is off.

 

Been lots of jumping on this thread,,,, If you have solid 75 psi sorta warmed-up oil at A IDLE,,,, be me I would be doing some checking. Gauge first. if that checks out, I _(meaning ME) would change the oil pump as it appears to have a stuck relief valve.

If it's at 75 cruising speed,,,, go smoke some tire!!!!! I do like the Lucas mixed in gas,,,, GOOD LUCK

 

Update: I pulled the Sprint Mav out and put it back in the work spot. I bought a stock oil pump, screen, and oil pan gasket from work(Advance Auto Parts). I drained the oil again, dropped the pan, cleaned it, stripped it, painted it dk Ford blue, and set it to the side. It had very little residue inside it. I took off the pump and screen, took my air hose and blew out the hole that leads from the oil filter to the block. Then, I put in the new pump and screen, put the pan back on, filled with 5W20 Motorcraft synthetic blend, and started it up. Oil pressure dropped to 60 lbs and settled at 50-55 lbs. Perfect!! No smoke, good oil pressure, looks like I have a good motor after all.

Thanks for the advice. Must have been the pump.


Jim

 

Jim,

Glad to hear you got it fixed. My engine shop guy told me not to use a high volume oil pump because it might break the oil pump drive shaft. Given that, I'd be worried about 80 PSI.

Jim