oil pressure to low?!

[RoadWarrior]

so normal pressure for my 318 is 45 to 65. Once warm and driving around it drops to around 20 or 25psi. I know dropping is normal once warm, but this much? Should I switch to a heavier weight?

 

[lewtot184]

probably ought to run around 40-45 hot. low pressure could be too thin of oil, oil filter, or bad gauge. a lot of bearing wear will reduce pressure. i'd try a different gauge first.

 

[RoadWarrior]

I have a spare oil gauge, I will try that. Otherwise what weight to you recommend for oil? I don't know whats in there. Emailed the guy I got it from still waiting to hear back.

 

[lewtot184]

i'd try a straight 30wt first. change filter to a wix, purolator or napa. put a good mechanical gauge on it and see what happens.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I believe that spec is at 1500 RPM. If you have 20 PSI at idle but it moves right up when you increase the RPM then I'd say you are fine.

 

[Bones Jackson]

I agree, 20 psi at hot idle sounds about right.

 

[lewtot184]

my reference to 40-45psi was not to infer this is needed for hot idle. the 40-45 would be a running pressure at 2000-2500rpm. the relief spring in the pump should be around the 40-45psi range. i believe 360's use a hgiher relief.