oil pressure

[Sundance]

I never claimed to be a mechanic, but I do try to fix my fsj when I can. My valve cover gaskets were leaking bad on my 83 Chero, so I replaced them, no more leaks. However, I thought this would fix my low oil pressure problems, it didn't. My pressure is right in the middle around 40 while in motion, but when I come to a stop, it quickly drops close to the red zone until I start moving again. Any ideas on what's causing the low pressure would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sundance
83 Chero W/T
NO LIFT YET!

[78Chief]

Mine does the same thing. I just thought that was normal.

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78 Chief
401 (The Beast)
33" BFG a/t
Hey It's Big and Green!

[BIGYELLOW78J10]

That's pretty common. Make sure your all the way filled up on oil, but other than that, there's not too much to be done, without spending lots o' cash. Old engines aren't know for there amazing oil pressure, although mine runs around the 60 range and drops to 40 at idle. This is of course on the one perfect day a month when she is running well. anyway, don't get too worried just yet.

Daniel

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78 J-10 Rumblin Wreck (http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~gte644i/TRUCK.jpg)
2v 360 V-8
Stock down to the rust
Highway speed in about an Hour

[jeeper28]

Mine did the same till I changed to 20-50wt and it helped stabilize the readings at idle.Not so sure I really did anything much,but mine had sat for 9 yrs,the oil was like h20!

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360,th400,the big brown turd

[SpruceMoose]

mine runs 45 hot, 20 hot idle running amzoil 20/50. your oil pressure is a little on the low side, but the old rule of thumb is 10psi/1000rpm. also, the oil leak you stopped is not under pressure, just drainback oil on top of the heads trying to get back to the sump, therefore no possible change in oil pressure. the low pressure is likely due to worn oil pump and bearings - normal for an old engine.

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88 Grand Wagoneer
"Spruce Moose"
AMC 360, DANA 44 F/R 2.72, TF 727, NP 229
Jacobs Pro-Street Ignition, Edelbrock 4bbl Intake with Holley 2bbl Analog Pro-Jection
Flowmaster 2.5" 50 Series Delta muffler and tubing
Amzoil foam air filter, Amzoil fluids all around
30x9.5 BFG AT
HF,VHF,UHF ham rigs and too many antennas (not)

Mileage? We don't need no stinkin' mileage!

[JeepFreak]

The stock oil gauges are not known for there accuracy. If you are worried about it go with an aftermarket gauge like a sunpro and get a more accurate reading. I just rebuilt my engine and it only read 40 at start up and would drop in the red at idle. Installed new sunpro gauge and reading were completly different. 60 at start up and 25 at idle with new gauge. Since wheeling is mainly done at engine speeds at or below 2,000 rpm I would make sure you are getting some pressure at idle. If not then rebuild the pump. It is really easy on our rigs since they are external.

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JeepFreak

[GRAT]

You might want to verify your sending unit for accuracy. I just changed mine and the pressure went from about 40 at cruise to 70. I also, like most other run 20W50.

The sending unit are only about 10 to 20 bucks.

Good Luck

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79 Chero WT/ TH400 /QT /360 /3" Flowmaster / K&N

78 Chero WT 360 TH400