High oil pressure 1938 120

Posted by Thomas Wilcox On 2011/10/11 13:37:17

Dear All,

What would cause a constant oil pressure reading of 55 psi on a 1938 282 motor? The oil is 15W-30 Shell Rotella. In other words, the oil pressure readings for various situations:

Initial startup, engine cold: 55 psi
Idle, engine warm: 55 psi
30 mph, engine warm: 55 psi
60 mph, engine warm: 55 psi

It is also way to high an oil pressure, which might explain the oil leak at the top of the oil filter.

The shop manual says the pump pressure relief spring is "not manual adjustable" (37-38 Shop Manual, pg 49). If it is not manual adjustable, how do you compensate for really high oil pressure?

Thanks for your help.

Tom