I followed the thread on oil pressure for the past week. I have all the
original paperwork and handbook that came with my 71B GT which is still used
as a regular driver. Here is what it says about the oil pressure guage on
page 25 of the handbook.:
"The guage should register a pressure as soon as the engine is started up.
The presure may rise above 80 lb./sq. in. when the engine is started from
cold, and as the oil is circulated and warmed the pressure should then drop
to between 50 and 80 lb./sq. in. at normal running speeds and to between 10
and 25 lb./sq. in. at idling speed."
(note: the abreviations are from the book) Hope this helps.
My car has been regularly maintained, head machined and valve work at time of
head gasket replacement but the lower engine has never been opened up. We
use 30 HD oil year round in Carolina. Years ago I installed a 13 row HD oil
cooler in front of the radiator. After warm up the car holds around 35# or
better oil pressure at idle and around 60# -65 at 3500 RPM. at 60 to 65MPH.
The guage is marked at 25, 50, 80 and 100 so some small amount of guess work
is involved between the numbers. I just have to hope the guages are
reasonably within some acceptable range of accurate since they have not
changed readings in years and years.
Mel
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