low oil pressure

[Gilmore]

I have a Chevy 350 HO motor, and the issue I'm running into is the motor runs with 60 PSI oil pressure on start-up. It runs well between 30-40 PSI while driving. But when I stop at a light once the motor is warmed up my oil pressure drops between 5-9 PSI. I'm currently running 5w-30 Penzoil full synthetic as recommended by the manufacturer. I have been doing some research and it appears an easy fix for this may be to shift to 10W-30 of the same oil. Thoughts?

The motor gave no indications of running poorly or acting as though it was going to die or anything. Oil level is good and it's a dakota digital guage.

 

[Terry Wilkerson]

I would contact the manufacturer and see what they say. I assume you still have manufacturer warranty?

 

[fast 99]

Has it been checked with a mechanical gauge?

That oil pressure is not a death sentence. A rebuilt 350 in one of our company trucks idled at 5-8 warm and 30 at speed. We were using 15-40 oil. I was concerned about it, called the rebuilder they said run it. If it blows up, they will replace it. Engine lasted well over 125k and never had a problem. Not ideal but given the warranty wasn't going to pull it.

edit Is this a roller motor or flat tappet? Synthetic may stop lifter rotation during break in if flat tappet.

 

[85K304SPD]

Run thicker conventional oil, 20W50.

 

[Gilmore]

Alright guys I’m installing a mechanical gauge but one thing isn’t clear do I have to keep the full 72” of line or can I cut it to fit?

 

[Octane]

Alright guys I’m installing a mechanical gauge but one thing isn’t clear do I have to keep the full 72” of line or can I cut it to fit?

I cut mine to fit ok

 

[Gilmore]

I cut about 24” off of it and it reads within 1 lb of the Dakota digital gauge.

 

[GTX63]

What manufacturer is recommending 5W30 for a Gen 1 small block? Not trying to be argumentative just curious.

 

[Gilmore]

Chevrolet for their high output crate motor.

 

[Ricko1966]

Here's my thoughts. You need to call where ever you got it from and ask their advice abd suggestions. None of us can warranty it. My other thought is 10lbs oil pressure per 1000 rpm is a rule of thumb,so if idling it 800rpm with 8lbs of oil pressure ,it's still in spec, I'd still want to know why a fresh motor had minnimum oil pressure,push comes to shove try thicker oil.

 

[Rusty Nail]

I don't see a problem outside of the fact you said Pennzoil.

 

[Octane]

I have a Chevy 350 HO motor, and the issue I'm running into is the motor runs with 60 PSI oil pressure on start-up. It runs well between 30-40 PSI while driving. But when I stop at a light once the motor is warmed up my oil pressure drops between 5-9 PSI. I'm currently running 5w-30 Penzoil full synthetic as recommended by the manufacturer. I have been doing some research and it appears an easy fix for this may be to shift to 10W-30 of the same oil. Thoughts?

The motor gave no indications of running poorly or acting as though it was going to die or anything. Oil level is good and it's a dakota digital guage.

I just don't run stock oilpumps,and never experienced this much pressure drop from below 30psi.Not saying you are running stock pump.I just never have on any build.

 

[squaredeal91]

5w30 is pretty thin and I would personally never put it in a chevy. 10w30 or 15w40 is good. Sometimes even just sae 30.

 

[Gilmore]

Yeah I’ve been trying to find a good synthetic straight 30w oil and it’s not easy to find.

 

[squaredeal91]

Yeah I’ve been trying to find a good synthetic straight 30w oil and it’s not easy to find.

Schaeffers I think makes it now