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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: SFord on November 30, 2008, 03:45:50 pm

Title: Low oil pressure
Post by: SFord on November 30, 2008, 03:45:50 pm
What causes low oil pressure? Worn bearings or weak oil pump. And how much pressure is normal,or more important is how low can pressure be without spinning a bearing ?
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Lt.Del on November 30, 2008, 04:06:43 pm
do a search on this website....this is answered about once a month. 
Low oil pressure could be a result of a blocked pickup screen in the oil pan. 
I would also be inclined to check your oil sender which tells the guage the pressure. I had to replace mine because it was faulty.  It simply unscrews off.  If it is clogged, it'll give you false readings. 

It isnt hard to replace an oil pump...biggest pain is dealing with the pan.  If it bothers you that much after the aforementioned items are checked, go ahead and replace the pump.

As to what is normal, it should read at least 30 lbs pressure when running, or 15 when idling--or somewhere close.  Mine reads a constant 45 in my sub, and 60+ with my 383 stroker with high volume pump.     
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: SFord on December 01, 2008, 12:33:21 pm
Thanks sgt.This the best place for dummies like me to get answers on stuff we know nothing about.But my mama always said a dumb question is the one that wasnt asked.Thanks again for the answer.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Blazin on December 01, 2008, 12:46:59 pm
73-87 Chevy trucks for dummies!!! ::) ::)
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Lt.Del on December 01, 2008, 01:46:12 pm
Quote
73-87 Chevy trucks for dummies!!! 

if published, I'd buy it  ;D
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: joesgarage71 on December 02, 2008, 06:41:20 pm
 I've seen them idle at 5lbs.

Ye Old rule of thumb 10lbs. for every 1000 RPM
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Captkaos on December 03, 2008, 11:14:26 am
For a stock motor it should be 7-10lbs at idle and a pound for every 1000 rpm at a minimum.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: SFord on December 03, 2008, 09:47:49 pm
I was a little concerned,but Ive got about 10 to 15 lbs at idle,and about 25 lbs at around 3000 rpm. Thanks.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: DnStClr on December 04, 2008, 12:47:50 am
Did you R&R that pressure sender yet?
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: SFord on December 04, 2008, 06:34:26 pm
Ive got the oil press. gauge thats got a line going to the block.I aint sure what its called,but it aint electric.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Captkaos on December 04, 2008, 08:29:01 pm
Mechanical.