oil pressure problems

[jharrison]

I have used the search but can't quite seem to find the answer to my particular problem. Basically at idle, pressure is 10-20psi according to the stock gauge but it flutters, while driving it does increase but say im cruising at 45 and I accelerate, the oil pressure drops slightly then comes back up when I let off. I was running Mobil 1 10w-30 but it would knock for a split second at startup then go away. I also run the K&N oil filter so "drain-back" isn't the startup prob. What makes things more weird is that I recently switched to Mobil 1 15w-40 since it's so hot here, and the oil pressure gauge acts exactly the same. Shouldn't the pressure have jumped up some?

I just bought the truck a few months back (I'm owner #2) it had 66K miles, I don't know much more than that. Does anyone think its the sender, or am I one of the lucky ones who ended up with a oil pump crapping out?

 

[NJ93TY]

Re: oil pressure problems

I would not trust the factory pressure gauge. Minimum specs is 6-10 at idle, 18 at 2000 rpm's and 25 up at 4000 rpm's. I think. I think your ok if the factory gauge is accurate. I would install an aftermarket gauge just to make sure, you dont want to take any chances.

 

[Don W.]

Re: oil pressure problems

Actually a simple first step is to cut the filter and examine it carefully. Then a good mechanical gauge, plumbed to the inside so you watch fluctuations.

 

[syclone0209]

Re: oil pressure problems

my truck did exactly the same thing after some hard driving. ran fine with good oil pressure around 60psi or so at cruise. did a couple highway runs with another sy next to me. noticed that the oil pressure had dropped a little at cruise. when you step on the throttle to accelerate the oil pressure would then fall with throttle application. almost as if you swapped the guage the other way around. more throttle = less pressure. let off the throttle, pressure would come back. had a slight ping or knock under slight throttle application but none at idle or cruise. cut the filter open and found tiny chips of metal. pulled the motor and it had spun one main halfway around and was starting to gauld another one.

 

[Daryl H]

Re: oil pressure problems

Where would be the easiest way to plumb an extra oil pressure gauge?
Thanks.

 

[jharrison]

Re: oil pressure problems

I think i'll take everyones advice and plumb a gauge to verify oil pressure, and cut the oil filter open to check for debris. I for got to mention that I only fire it up once a week at the most, and havent driven it anywhere in over a month. I guess the plan now is hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

On the bright side it may just give me the excuse to buy this
http://www.speedomotive.com/ps-149-69-chevy-43l-v-6-street-master.aspx
I already inquired and they can change the cam and pistons to better suite a turbo application for the same price.

 

[Big Mike]

Re: oil pressure problems

Why not give a SyTy vendor a chance?

 

[jharrison]

Re: oil pressure problems

Strictly budget limitation, nothing else. I would love nothing more than to help those who help us, unfortunately 4,500 vs 7,500 and up for a long block fully built is way out of my reach.