Oil Pressure?

[rrefx]

So, being fed up with the dummie lights, I recently installed an oil pressure guage, but now the oil pressure has me concearned. at an idle, it can be very low... like around 5psi. When driving she can be anywhere between 20 and 40 psi, depending on the rpm's. Isn't that a bit low?

I seem to remember my camaro ran around 60. I still have the dummie light hooked in, and it has never come on, but isn't the idle pressure a bit low as well? Or am I just paranoid?

Thanks,

~Ry

 

[Joey]

Give us a little more info. Year of Disco and Mileage for starters.

Usually at idle most vehicles have a very low oil pressure unless they are running a high pressure oil system (racing type). Mileage and care of engine will make a lot of difference for the running pressure.

 

[rrefx]

Sorry about that.... this is in one of my '96 disco's, but this particular one has only about 5,000 miles on it. I replaced everything I could including the oil pump when I put the engine in.

 

[beemer]

low oil pressure, check off items

rrefx, you stated new motor, how tight is the bottom end? Worn rockers and shaft will bleed alot of oil pressure. New pump, old timing cover? Cover come off an engine thats been over heated, if so the pressure relief plunger can be stuck in the by pass position.
They are low pressure engines, 40 psi @ 2,500. Run a gauge on it. I see 42 psi idle when hot and 48psi above 900 rpm on a 4.6 with 27,000 miles with 20/50 oil. Sorry i shouldn't give advice as a mechanic, draaronr said i'm "an idiot". ..............o&o>......................

 

[Disco Mike]

Ryan,
I also believe that is a little low at idle, to be safe you sgould hook a mechanical test guage onto the engine and confirm. I would suspect that if you're running 20/50 you should be up around 15 to 20 lbs. at idle.
Mike J.

 

[rrefx]

Wow guys, I had thought this thread had died off without any answers... thanks for responding. The timing cover is new with the oil adn water pump. But you have confirmed my suspicions that the idle pressure just seems too low, so I'll go on and check it out.
Thanks ,
Ryan