Is there a maximum oil pressure that I don't want to get in range of? I've just changed the oil for the first time on my buick and had to resort to a smaller oil filter than the original because of a different brand of oil filters being available here in Australia (I've only seen Ryco available I might be able to find different brands if I tried). Now the oil pressure is really high at idle (about 60 psi when cold at about 1000 rpm) it used to sit at about 8 when warmed up. Most of this info is close to accurate. Any advice on the oil pressure issue though like if I should be worried or whatever would be appreciated.
60 lbs seems pretty high. my 72 gs 350 runs about 45 lbs cold, 40 warm at normal driving rpm, and about 15 lbs at idle warm. what grade of oil do u use? i run wix oil filters.
On a 455, 80 cold is normal with tight clearances and 10W/30 oil. I like to see no less than 20 at hot idle. 350s gernerally get away with lower pressures due to smaller bearing journals.
I'm using Pennzoil 20w50. I picked it cause it says on the back they recommend it for older v8's or something like that
With 20W/50 on cold start be carefull not to rev it much. I see 90-100 psi on motors with .002 clearances. 20W-50 wouldn't be a bad choice on a motor with over 150,000 miles but still wouldn't like to start it below freezing. But....where you are that's likely not an issue. Cheers!
"had to resort to a smaller oil filter than the original because of a different brand of oil filters being available here in Australia" have a 430v8 in the 1968 wildcat if there is space use a z30 oil filter as the shorter filter increases oil pressure this will keep at around 30 psi idle and 50 psi 2000rpm
oil pressure As you read the different replys to the question posted, one realizes that oil pressure is relative. The most critical pressure reading [to me] is the hot idle pressure. This is because the hardest service an engine will see is sitting at idle with the a/c on ,in traffic, in gear, on a hot summer day. Personally, I like a 45-50 lb.system. There needs to be 10 lb. for each 1000 rpm. and steady, not pulsating. If you are operating in hot weather dont use oil that is too thin.
Hi, Oil filter size should not be a problem. I run one of the smallest you can get because my steering box prohibits the use of a normal one.[RHD conversion]. With ambient temp around 25 i have 80 psi on start using 20/50. When hot 50 psi at around 2300 revs. At idle 15 psi. I also run an oil cooler. All The Best. Tony.
