I find that my freshly rebuilt 350HP engine idles very nicely with 30psi hot oil pressure and pins the gauge @ 60psi when the power is applied. Is there any problem with these gauges if the oil pressure exceeds the number on the gauge ? (ie 65 psi into a 60 psi gauge)
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
My 62 has a hi pressure fuel pump (which serves no useful purpose over the standard pump)and so far it hasn't damaged the gauge. -
Don't you mean "Oil Pump"? *NM*
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Yeah, I mean "oil pump". *NM*
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
SHP and FI engines began receiving 60 psi relief springs late in the '63 model year and a companion change was a 80 psi gage. I can't remember how long this configuration continued on SBs, but I think it was at least through the end of the '65 model year.
You either have the wrong gage, wrong engine, or someone replaced the normal 45 psi relief spring with a 60 psi spring.
Whatever the cause, I don't think the gage will be damaged.
DukeComment
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
Pete,
I had my L-79 rebuilt by a race engine shop and bought a high volume / high pressure pump. I told the guy who did my engine I didn't want the high pressure spring used after reading some of the posts of experenced guys on this board.
Well you know how it goes,I got talked in to the high pressure spring any way.
On start up or at any rpm above idle I had a pegged oil gauge. I ran this way for a couple of years until I had to change a rear main seal and I changed the spring in the oil pump back to stock pressure. Nothing appeared to be affected in an adverse way.Who knows I may have picked up a half a horsepower by dropping the pressure.Comment
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
Pete,
I have a 1965 L76 that pretty much runs with the oil pressure gage pegged as well. I also seem to have a leaking rear mail seal,I have been wondering if the two issues are related? What are your thoughts?
GeorgeComment
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
Gerorge,
My engine builder has a racing engine shop and it was hard to hold him back on a lot of things ie: dual profile cam as compared to the original L-79 grind, shaving a little of the dome off the pistons to run on 93 octane,I wanted hardened valve seats He didn't want to use them because he said the valve seats weren't retreating. He used silcone on the front and rear off the oil pan instead of gaskets. I know a lot of racing engines are built that way but I am not tearing this engine down after a race every couple of week ends.
I replaced the rear seal with a FelPro Vitron unit and a one piece FelPro oil pan gasket and have had no leaks with the stock oil pump spring in 3000 miles.Comment
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
Pete,
Thanks for the update. Were you able to change the rear seal with the motor in the car? I have heard it can be done, but never tried it. Not only do you have to deal with the oil pan, but then getting the top half of the seal out without removing the crankshaft is another whole nightmare I would guess. Thanks for anymore information you might have, I too hate oil leaks.
GeorgeComment
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
George,
On a small block it's not that bad.Just drop the relay rod from the right side (passenger side). Two bolts attach it to the frame.Turn wheel all the way to the stop. This will give you room to drop the pan. Unbolt and drop the rear seal cap. Push out the upper seal half with a piece of wood or plastic as to not marr the crank. Follow the instalation instructions with the new seal kit.and you got it.I don't have a lift at home so this can easily be done on jack stands. This realy pretty straight forward job.Make sure to only use sealent where it is called for and tourque to specs. Let me know how it goesComment
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Re: 60 psi Oil Pressure Gauge
Pete,
Thanks for the rapid response. This project will be a ways down the road. Right now I am in the middle of changing all the body mount cushions and redoing the interior. I have repainted the center and top of the dash, rebuilt the glove box, and the center console. I have put in all new carpet underlayment and padding, including the space age ceramic heat barrier. The carpets are about half done, and I have the seat frames stripped and repainted, ready to put on new foam and covers. It's been fun but lots of work as I am sure you know. Thanks again for your help, I'll let you know about the rear seal when done.
GeorgeComment
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