Re: Standard 8 '49 - oil pressure

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2008/2/26 10:01:22

The factory oil pressure indicating system is based on an electrical resistance sender and these are typically slow to respond so I would disregard the observation that it takes 30 seconds or so to reach its maximum reading -- that lag is pretty typical of that system. A direct-reading gauge should respond immediately and if it doesn't, then I'd drop the pan and examine and clean the oip pickup screen - these can get choked with crud over time. Might as well clean the pan at the same time. And the fact that a warm engine at idle gives nearly the same pressure as a cold engine is a very positive indicator. If you want to shim the pressure relief valve to see if it's weakened, its accessed thru the large (7/8 or 1 inch) hex cap sticking out sideways from the pump. You should find the spring and a plunger. If indeed the pressure at road speed is 35 psi, I'd agree with the prior comments that it's not immediate cause for concern, it's adequate though not ideal.