low oil pressure

[Ed P.]

working on a 68 with oil pressure at 30 psi at cruise. Not to low but would like to hook up direct reading test gauge. Is there a better spot than where the cars gauge hooks up at the block. 327ci I already cleaned the oil pressure gauge and it is working now. Thanks Ed

[Joe L.]

Re: low oil pressure

working on a 68 with oil pressure at 30 psi at cruise. Not to low but would like to hook up direct reading test gauge. Is there a better spot than where the cars gauge hooks up at the block. 327ci I already cleaned the oil pressure gauge and it is working now. Thanks Ed

Ed------


I would connect the test gauge at the same location as the in-car gauge. That way, you'll be "comparing apples-to-apples" as far as assessing how much the in-car gauge is off (or, not off). You can even install a temporary tee so that you can have both gauges connected simultaneously.

On a small block, there really aren't too many places to connect a gauge. The only other convenient, if not only, one is the 1/8 NPT tapping on the front of the engine, above the timing cover. I believe this location is actually used for some trucks. However, I don't think you'll find any discernable difference in pressure readings between the front and rear locations.

[Edward J.]

Re: low oil pressure

Ed, 30 psi oil pressure is just fine, would not consider that low at at. if idle pressures drop below 10 psi then there may be a problem, generally speeking small block chevys rarely have oil pump problems , oil pressure is genrally lost through engine bearing clearance problems as it has to make its way to the top of the engine where the pressure gage is tapped.

[Ed P.]

Re: low oil pressure

I agree on the oil pressure is not a concern. I just wanted to check its accuracy. Thanks for the info for alternate location for oil gauge test. Ed