Oil Pump

[boostin6]

Gotta question....When I built my engine I purchased a new GM timing chain cover from the GSCA....Everybody told me to make sure to check the gear end clearance and correct it if needed....Well I checked the clearance and it was .002....Should be good to go, after startup on the fresh engine oil press. was at about 70 psi....Good....After the 1/2 hour cam break-in I let the car idle, oil press. was about 20 psi with a mechanical gauge...Just the other day before I put the car in for storage, I noticed the oil pressure was about 15 psi hot.... My question is shouldn't I have better oil press. than 15 hot idle.....Crusin down the road at 55 its about 45 psi...WOT is 65 when fully warmed up...I was kinda hopin for 25-30 idle hot....Engine runs fine good power, I just don't like looking at a oil press. gauge and seeing it around 15 psi.....I also used the KB Oil booster plate....My main bearing clearance was .002 and the rods was .0018....

 

[gmpower6]

Sounds good to me should live a long time.


Sean

 

[Buick Mark]

15 psi hot idle is good. If you can maintain that in the summer with 10w/30 oil, your set.
Actually I wouldnt worry if it dropped to 10 psi hot idle in the summer with 10/30 oil (which it probably will) As long as it maintains between 55 and 60 psi at and full throttle, and betweem 40 and 55 at cruise. Use 10/30 synthetic in the summer, its alot more stable with the higher temps than regular oil. Mark

 

[strikeeagle]

Now you know why Buick didn't put an oil pressure gauge in our cars - you're better off not knowing because you'll just obsess over it...

 

[salvageV6]

I get about 18 psi. hot with my car at 151k miles and the Kenne-Bell plate.

Try another gauge.

Maybe you can find one to read 3-4 psi. more.

Maybe it's time to change that oil too.

 

[Red Regal T]

Fresh oil will hold more oil pressure than oil with 500 miles or more on it. Maybe that's what you're looking at. Your oil pressure at the speed you listed and WOT seem to be in line. If you want a little more, install a HV pump.

 

[boostin6]

Yeah the oil actually had about 1,000 miles on it....So what does that mean that the oil is breaking down so then the press. goes down a little???? Currently Im using dino juice 10W-30.....

 

[Red Regal T]

I don't know what it means exactly but it happens ever time you change oil. I don't waste my money on synthetic but I would bet that's the case with it, also.

 

[PaulRV6]

Boostin6, I think like the others said, you are good to go with what you got. I am basically in the same boat. New rebuild, same brg clearance, pump gears end play at .0015"-.002", KB booster plate and my oil press. is 8 at idle hot, yikes.
But no problems so far. Just wish the hot idle press was higher. Like Strikeagle said, it will drive ya crazy trying to figure out what is going on!!

paul

 

[Intercooler]

Just a FYI my oil pressure is 75-80 cold and 30 PSI hot.