Oil Pressure
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Oil Pressure
My 79 vette 350 engine I put a new oil pressure pump on it now the pressure is like 80 psi is to much pressure on the oil is this bad for the engine and seals should I try to get the oil pressure back down thanks
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
80 psi hot on a smallblock is kind of a lot. For a street car, all you really need is 60 to 65 psi, tops. Rule of thumb on a SBC is that 10 psi engine oil pressure per thousand RPM is safe. Any more than that most likely just heats up the oil and takes a bit more power to drive (the pump).
Please correct me if I am wrong. Pressurized oil doesn't get to the front and rear main (crankshaft) seals. They are splash lubed only. The seal on the oil filter is the only one that sees full pump pressure.
Please correct me if I am wrong. Pressurized oil doesn't get to the front and rear main (crankshaft) seals. They are splash lubed only. The seal on the oil filter is the only one that sees full pump pressure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Sounds like you have a high volume pump installed. There's another thread on this topic, posted a few days ago. I don't think it does much harm nor do I think it does much good either. The high pressure may increase oil consumption a bit. Some have stated the high volume pumps tend to pump most oil to the top of the engine at high RPM.
I have a high volume pump in my 70 big block, the pressure stays high even when the engine is fully warmed. I do notice a bit more oil consumption than expected. If it wasn't such a project removing the pan and pump I'd consider going back to a stock pump.
Your call.
I have a high volume pump in my 70 big block, the pressure stays high even when the engine is fully warmed. I do notice a bit more oil consumption than expected. If it wasn't such a project removing the pan and pump I'd consider going back to a stock pump.
Your call.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 96
From: Bowmanville Ontario
I have the same problem. My gauge says 80 PSI. Was freaking me out at first. Since the car is new to me, I watch the gauges all the time.
I was leaking oil out of the dip stick tube, I thought maybe it was related to the pressure being so high.
I was leaking oil out of the dip stick tube, I thought maybe it was related to the pressure being so high.
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From: Plano TX
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
...or non-functional (or non-existent) PCV system. The PCV system sucks the internal engine vapors [and pressure] into the intake charge. No PCV system? No pressure vent, unless you have a dedicated breather on a rocker cover.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 96
From: Bowmanville Ontario
Actually I have both, PCV and dedicated vent on the valve cover.
It came that way.
I'm betting old rings, might just have to have the engine rebuilt over the next few years...hmmm, sorry honey, I gotta do it, lol
Mechanic told me to pull the tube out, put some silicon on it and stuff it back in for now.
It came that way.
I'm betting old rings, might just have to have the engine rebuilt over the next few years...hmmm, sorry honey, I gotta do it, lol
Mechanic told me to pull the tube out, put some silicon on it and stuff it back in for now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
Actually I have both, PCV and dedicated vent on the valve cover.
It came that way.
I'm betting old rings, might just have to have the engine rebuilt over the next few years...hmmm, sorry honey, I gotta do it, lol
Mechanic told me to pull the tube out, put some silicon on it and stuff it back in for now.
It came that way.
I'm betting old rings, might just have to have the engine rebuilt over the next few years...hmmm, sorry honey, I gotta do it, lol
Mechanic told me to pull the tube out, put some silicon on it and stuff it back in for now.
......allrighty then
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 96
From: Bowmanville Ontario
oldalaskaman, can you explain the sarcasm please...to us non-mechanic folks.
Are you saying I should not have a PVC and a breather in the first place?
I understand that adding silicon will not 'solve' the problem, but I was hoping it would stop the dripping of oil on my garage floor until I can find a more permanent solution. He suggested it because the tube is lose and that's where the oil was coming from.
Are you saying I should not have a PVC and a breather in the first place?
I understand that adding silicon will not 'solve' the problem, but I was hoping it would stop the dripping of oil on my garage floor until I can find a more permanent solution. He suggested it because the tube is lose and that's where the oil was coming from.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If the oil is leaking from the joint between the engine block and [the bottom end of] the dipstick tube, you just need to reseal that joint. But, don't use silicone sealant to do that; silicone does poorly at sealing oil related leaks. Remove the tube, clean the bottom of tube and mating bore in the engine block with lacquer thinner or other volatile cleaner, put some Permatex #2 gasket sealer on the tube and tap it in place. Let set overnight before you fire it up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
if the oil is leaking from the joint between the engine block and [the bottom end of] the dipstick tube, you just need to reseal that joint. But, don't use silicone sealant to do that; silicone does poorly at sealing oil related leaks. Remove the tube, clean the bottom of tube and mating bore in the engine block with lacquer thinner or other volatile cleaner, put some permatex #2 gasket sealer on the tube and tap it in place. Let set overnight before you fire it up.