64 RDSTR

I recently dropped a ZZ383 crate motor into my 64. Drove it about 25 miles in December and put it up until better weather. Pulled it out of the garage yesterday. After idling for about 12 minutes, noticed oil pressure gauge pegged to the right. Fluctuates a little when I give it gas in neutral, but when I drove it around the block it would peg again while in 1st gear. Put the engine in back in Oct, so oil is new. Level is good. Any suggestions? It got down to right around freezing in my garage for a couple of days back in Jan. Not sure if that has any bearing on the problem. My one and only trusted mechanic is a 45 min drive away. Will have it flat-bedded down there if need be.
Thanks.
Wes

Exotica

The temps getting down to freezing back in Jan should have no bearing on it.

It could just be the sensor, as I've heard many stories of the guage pegging to the right when the sensor goes bad. But that could prove to be an expensive assumption if there's something more problematic going on.

After 12 minutes of idling your oil should be reasonably close to operating temperature, even in cold areas of the coutry.

Dave64

I'm going to guess you're talking about your '64, so no issues with a sensor, especially if you're still using your mechanical gauge. I'd say you are just experiencing thick, cold oil. What viscosity do you have in it. Use 5 or 10 w in cold weather and you probably won't have this issue. If it does persist, you might check pressure with a separate mechanical gauge off the outlet at the back of the block.

Dave

sly vette

I agree. Double check with a trusted Gage!

Exotica

Good call Dave. Didn't even look at his screen name to see that.

Dave64

Exotica
That's right. You can't sneek one past me.

Sly Vette,
Where is Algonac? I grew up just north of Lapeer. Left there in 1971. Couldn't take the snow and cold any more.

Dave