oil pressure gauge bouncing
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,454
Likes: 977
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
My 78 L-82's oil pressure gauge will move around slightly at idle (40-50 lbs) and will cruising going down the road (50-60 lbs). Always has for the last 28 years! How much does it move? I would guess it is normal. I run Mobil 1 15W-50 in a totally stock engine-never been opened.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
My 78 L-82's oil pressure gauge will move around slightly at idle (40-50 lbs) and will cruising going down the road (50-60 lbs). Always has for the last 28 years! How much does it move? I would guess it is normal. I run Mobil 1 15W-50 in a totally stock engine-never been opened.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Some 'wiggling' is not a big deal. If it is really jumping around, there is a problem with the sender wire (wire almost broken thru and making intermittant connection with engine vibration) or a problem with the regulator valve in the oil pump (binding/sticking).
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: duluth minnesota
just checked oil to make sure, just had it changed a month ago but you never know, its full probably a little to full maybe by half quart. it does bounce a little at idle. where is the sending unit?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
On a small block the sending unit is on the "China wall" at the back of the block. Look near the back edge of the intake manifold and if it's stock you should see a brass tube connecting to the block.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Las Cruces NM
Not to hijack the thread, but you guys are saying you have 50-60. I idle around 30-40, most I ever hit is about 50 lbs at higher RPM. Should I be using thicker oil? or is 30-40 alright. it's a 1980.
