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#16824 06/07/2004 5:24 PM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 27 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 27 | So, I've finally gotten my '38 to the point where it's driveable. Oil pressure is about 10 on the gauge when I start it, and drops to 5 or so (maybe a bit below) when hot, driving.
What's considered "normal" oil pressure for this 216 engine ? What's too low ?
Thanks to all the experts out there !
Alex Meade | | |
#16825 06/07/2004 8:44 PM | Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 188 Member | | Member Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 188 | thats ok. factory spec was 14psi @2000 RPM. The 216 doesn't need a lot of pressure, just volumn. | | |
#16826 06/08/2004 12:59 AM | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | Don't use anything heavier than 40 weight, the dippers need good flow to be able to lube the rod bearings. SAE 20 was original spec in most climates with 30 for warm and 10 for cold.
Paint & Body Shop moderator
A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. | | |
#16827 06/08/2004 8:31 PM | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | 10-15 is normal, I would be concerned about the 5 psi. The oil is pressure fed through the cam bearings to the valve train, while the crank depends on a splash system. Usually the low pressure is the result of worn cam bearings.
I would check the oil flow to the valve train. warm up the engine, then remove the valve cover. Oil is fed via a tube into the rocker shaft to the valves. If there is oil flowing to the valve train, I would continue running the engine, but watch the pressure.
When I had a 216 in my truck, I had problems with oil leaks and some consumption with SAE 30 oil. Switched to 20W-50, and reduced both.
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
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#16828 06/08/2004 9:41 PM | Joined: May 2004 Posts: 150 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2004 Posts: 150 | I'm a bit confused, so forgive me if I'm asking a goofy question. I've got a 216 in my '50 3100 and my oil pressure gauge reads from 0 to 60, with the needle resting on 30 (middle) after it's warm and been running for a while. You stated it should read between 10 and 14?!? Little help (explanation), please. Thanks. | | |
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