63 V8 289 oil pressure??

[starlightchamp]

I have been a litttle concerned lately that my 63 Hawk's oil pressure is a little over
40 psi at startup but after warmup is steady at 30 psi. My 50 studebaker runs a solid 40psi
all the time. I bought a new pressure regulator kit and planned to install soon
--BUT
I just read an engine spec sheet and it shows 30 psi is the norm !
What say you pressure guru's ? I don't want to fix it if it's not broke.

1950 Champion Starlight
1963 Hawk GT
Santa Barbara
CA

[GTtim]

The manual says that minimum oil pressure is supposed to be 45 psi at 2000 rpms. I believe that would be checked when the engine is at normal operating temperature. I've heard reports of engines getting along fine for years with oil pressure that is a lot less than that.

Tim K.
'64 R2 GT Hawk

[rockne10]

I believe sensors for idiot lights don't signal until you've dropped below 7 or 8 psi. I believe 30 psi after warm up is perfectly acceptable.

[starlightchamp]

Thanks, I'll stop worrying. Probably put the new spring in the
regulator just in case it's tited.
...Dick

1950 Champion Starlight
1963 Hawk GT
Santa Barbara
CA

[PackardV8]

Also what weight oil you are using needs to be mentioned. Most current 10W30 oils will do a better job of lubricating than the old 30w sludge for which the manuals were written. They just won't show as much gauge pressure. Try a 20W50 for summer use and see if it shows any increase in hot pressure.

thnx, jv.

PackardV8

[stuvw2mny]

Automotive gauges are not to be trusted for accuracy! ! ! I tested a Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge in an airborne instrumentation laboratory to confirm rumors I had been hearing on the racing circuit. One gauge might be reading low and another might be reading high. Many unnecessary repairs have been made because of "low" oil pressure readings on cheap automotive gauges. If you are really concerned get a test with high quality gauge testing unit or leave it alone!