low oil pressure

[jtschug]

The oil pump has a dump valve so the pressure does not continue to climb as the engine spins faster. I think a stock pump dumps out at about 40 psi if memory serves. As long as there is enough pressure to provide oil flow to the last bearing in the circuit, then the engine has sufficient pressure.

[Raybird]

HI
Didn't I read someplace that these FE 390's have to much oil going to the heads and one could restrict that flow (I believe they mentioned using a carb jet in the heads oil supply routing) which in turn would help send more oil flow and pressure toward the bottom end! If true, it would seem to me a win/win! Any members have experience with this?

[jtschug]

Yes, it is common to restrict the oil flow in the head under one of the rocker shaft pedestals to reduce the flow up top which frequently floods the valve cover area with oil.

[RedBird64]

I don't think your oil pressure is bad.
Do you hear the lifters rattling at idle? If you don't hear them or any deeper ticking then your good to go.

Scott

[Terry64HT]

My oil pressure has always read high, but I never considered it a problem. As with the low readings, when the engine reaches speed, it falls.
Terry
64HT

[64ZCODE]

If it's not making a racket, run it:)

[RedBird64]

If oil is just leaking past worn bearings, it really isn't too bad of a job to remove the oil pan and push in new ones (I've done 3 TBirds and a Caddy). The oil pump is right there and easy to replace at the same time (you'll need to prime the new pump through the distributor drive). This gives you a chance to see the condition of the bottom end and cylinders and seal up the most common leaks.
It's probably 2~3 hours to remove, clean and reisntall the pan and another 3~5 hours to replace bearings and rear seal. Removing the oil pan is much easier than most think.

It sounds ike a massive job but if you break it down into a couple of days, it really isn't that bad. I recommend you let the car sit for at least a couple of days before starting work so the oil drains into the pan as much as possible. The worst part of the job is having oil dripping on you every once in a while.

A few hours of work and $200 in parts will extend the life of the eng a long time.

Scott

[64ZCODE]

Has actual oil pressure been confirmed with a mechanical gauge?