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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Sodium Duck on January 14, 2012, 11:01:59 pm

Title: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: Sodium Duck on January 14, 2012, 11:01:59 pm
I recently changed the oil in my truck, has a 305. This is the first oil change I've done since owning it. I have no clue how long that oil had been in there. Everything looked normal, no metal shavings in there at least. Before, the oil pressure ran around 30-40psi (after the truck is warmed up, running down the road, at lights, whatever).

After the oil change, with a 5W-30 oil, it's running 50-60psi. Kind of weird.

Should I be concerned about have a plugged up galley or something? For whatever it's worth, the engine is running a lot more smoothly. I think the other oil must've been higher viscosity. Maybe I'll try a 10W-40 next time.
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: VileZambonie on January 15, 2012, 12:00:46 am
How long have you owned it? Change the oil every 3,000 miles and run at least 10w30. Your oil pressure is fine.
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on January 15, 2012, 12:02:45 am
50-60 sounds ok.    But wouldn't switching to a thicker oil increase rather than decrease oil pressure?
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: firefighter on January 15, 2012, 06:20:53 am
Yeah, 50 - 60 is Ok, but just like the other oil pressure thread comments, you could check your gauge. It may not be reading 100% accurately.
I think you're fine, enjoy the good oil pressure.   :)
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: 1978 454 Big 10 on January 15, 2012, 06:26:24 am
Different brand oil filters can effect oil pressure.
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: Sodium Duck on January 15, 2012, 08:09:38 am
I've had it since about July. It spent the summer up on jack stands while I worked on it.

Yea, I was reading the other thread on low oil pressure. I might go ahead ahead and check the gauge. But it also kind of gives me an excuse to buy new gauges... I really want to build a custom dash with all big ass gauges.
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: VileZambonie on January 15, 2012, 11:36:14 am
Different brand oil filters can effect oil pressure.

Say what?
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: 1978 454 Big 10 on January 15, 2012, 11:58:00 am
Different brand oil filters can effect oil pressure.

Say what?

Some oil filters are more restrictive, which can cause it to have lower oil pressure.
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: Sodium Duck on January 15, 2012, 05:13:44 pm
I also started leaking antifreeze today, much more than usual. There's been a small leak since owning the truck, hasn't been a major deal. Not sure from where. All the hoses are clean. Looks to be dripping off the rear of the oil pan or the front of the transmission.

I think it's because the engine wouldn't warm up. We had a very cold morning here today, below 10 degrees. After starting up and driving for a few minutes, the most I could get to was about 165 degrees. I parked the truck and a few hours later when I went back out, there was a healthy puddle of antifreeze on the ground. A cold engine won't expand and fill up all those loose tolerances, yea? So when I parked it, and it wasn't running anymore, after not being warmed sufficiently... it just barfed everywhere.

Anybody use those grille blocks? I think that might help warm things up a bit. Maybe some insulation for the hood too.
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: muddpuppy01 on January 17, 2012, 04:09:49 pm
if you have coolant came down the motor toward the back run your hands on the back of the heads you might have blown a gasket. I would also put a pressure tester on it while feeling around.
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: beastie_3 on January 17, 2012, 04:28:32 pm
Isnt there a freeze plug on the back of the block? Maybe it is rusting out?
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: VileZambonie on January 22, 2012, 10:37:37 am
Different brand oil filters can effect oil pressure.

Say what?

Some oil filters are more restrictive, which can cause it to have lower oil pressure.

That's what the bypass is for -if the filter is clogged the bypass opens
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: 1978 454 Big 10 on January 22, 2012, 10:48:11 am
Different brand oil filters can effect oil pressure.

Say what?

Some oil filters are more restrictive, which can cause it to have lower oil pressure.

That's what the bypass is for -if the filter is clogged the bypass opens

In a "perfect" world! :)
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: Irish_Alley on January 23, 2012, 05:28:15 am
Different brand oil filters can effect oil pressure.

Say what?
(http://www.naioa.com/v2/modules/Forums/images/smiles/BangHead.gif)
Some oil filters are more restrictive, which can cause it to have lower oil pressure.

That's what the bypass is for -if the filter is clogged the bypass opens

In a "perfect" world! :)
Title: Re: High oil pressure after changing
Post by: LTZ C20 on January 25, 2012, 11:36:20 pm
Oil pressure should be 50-60 psi. I rebuilt the top end of my engine and got higher pressure now. There are two freeze plugs on the back of the block behind the fly wheel (when looking at the back straight on) there are also plugs along the sides of the block. Checking for blown gaskets is a great idea and you should make sure that your radiator isn't clogged, you have good circulation through the engine and that your thermostat is opening if you have one. Also check to make sure that the seal on your radiator cap isn't cracked or worn. That should help you eliminate any leaks or help you find any you may have.