These engines never did have a lot of pressure even though they are known as full-pressure engines. Not unusual to have little or no pressure at the gauge, especially at hot idle. As long as you are getting oil to the top of the engine as you say, you are good to go. The big thing is if oil is coming out of the rocker weep holes. If that is okay, then it's gravy. If you're worried about a dirty engine or clogged pickup, switch to full synthetic oil. It is incredibly detergent and will clean out the galleries in no time flat. Don't worry about putting such high-tech oil in a 'bolt engine. synthetic is great and will stop any wear dead in it's tracks and the engine will not wear at all any more after you switch to it. Just remember, the lowest oil pressure is at the rockers, so if you have oil coming out of the weep holes, you're good. When I was first going to start my '58 235 after it sat in the PO's garage for 5 years, I cranked and cranked the engine to try to get oil out of the rocker weep holes before giving it spark and firing it up. No oil to the rockers. My old mechanic friend said, "Fire it up. Those engines can run for a month with no oil to the top of the engine". So, I fired it up. Within 15 seconds, the rockers started to weep. I currently run 10W-40 Amsoil full synthetic and don't have any pressure problems at all, getting about 30 PSI at all times at speed and about 20 at hot idle. However, it is really not unusual to just have the needle barely above the peg. rocker oil is the key here. If the engine runs fine and you have oil to the rockers, don't sweat it.
Andy
