[Another] Engine Oil Pressure Thread

[Dr_Snooz]

I suspect I have a crank bearing getting loose in my '89 Suburban 350 TBI. The pressure is a little lower than I'd like to see, running just about 15 psi at idle and around 32 on the highway. The highest the pressure ever gets is around 37 psi, even when cold. I know this is considered normal but my '90 454 TBI runs from about 35 to off the gauge (>60) while the '89 never gets over 40. Any thoughts? Should I try a heavier oil? Run a special additive? Stop obsessing? Is the relief valve functioning correctly? I just want to keep this engine running as long as possible.

Also, any suggestions for minimizing those stomach-churning seconds where the engine runs without oil on first start after an oil change?

[rich weyand]

1) Stop obsessing.

2) Fill the filter with oil before you put it on.

[enaberif]

10-15psi @ idle is perfectly acceptable.
30 psi when driving is fine as well.

Tolerances on these engines are not nearly as tight as modern engines especially on worn engines so oil pressure will be all over the map from one engine to another. If your that concerned run a heavier weight oil like 10w40.