Huh? I finally got the car out and oil pressure is low at idle in gear.

[Maltman]

Switched oil filters (went to a mobil from ac delco) using the relocation kit from pte.

Also, went to the valvoline full synthetic 10-30.

I didn't see any oil pressure lights come on, but the autometer elec. oil pressure is saying somewhere around 10 lbs in gear when warm. Should I be worried....and would it help to drain some of the 10-30 and mix in some 20-50?

Otherwise, oil pressures are good with throttle (cold start was around 65....but the oil press. acts like a tach when warm.

..but I'm not familiar with synthetics....just running what they told me to after a good break in: straight 40 (100 miles) followed by 10-40 (500) to this synthetic (option over regular 10-30).

 

[Red Regal T]

I guess if you can tolerate having lousy oil pressure, you could continue to run that synthetic 10W30. I couldn't put up with it myself. My experience is that when you first do an oil change, the oil pressure is higher while the oil is new. Once you put a few hundred miles on it, it settles in a little lower. So I guess after you put some miles on your 10-30, you'll be looking at even lower pressures. You could certainly drop a few quarts and add in the 20W50 to help your oil pressure. Also, I have my suspicions about those remote oil filter kits, but that's another story.

 

[shmed]

those electric oil pressure gauges are not the most accurate.
before you worry too much id double check with a mechanical gage,
my electric autometer was out 10 psi when hot...

 

[Maltman]

I'll definitely check out that gauge.....I have my doubts concerning accuracy too.

...and thanks for the reminder about the oil thinning out....I wasn't even thinking about 500-1000 miles down the road.

I'll probably do both.

 

[Gnx6]

I'm in the same boat. I picked up a cherry GN with 26,000 miles on it from the original owner that always ran Mobil 1 oil. When I installed the pressure gauge it was about 10 psi hot. I checked it with a mechanical gauge and it is correct. VDO #1 ! You need to install the timing cover kit that has the slightly larger oil pump gears in it. You can also get an adjustable oil pressure regulator from www.taperformance.com

If your oil filter adapter oil pump gear surface is all tore up you may need a new one. Clearances here are very critical and can affect pressure greatly.

You can try running Mobil 1 15w50 and see what you have then.

Remember that a pump creates flow. It is the restriction that causes pressure to increase. If you pump has poor flow your oil pressure will be low. If your motor has excessive clearances your pressure will be low. By increasing the flow you exceed the bleed of the motors internal oil system and can build pressure further than you can currently.