Hey there, Denver D;
You are seeing on your gauge the results of a properly functioning pressure
relief valve. Your oil pressure is fine for a slightly worn motor. Should be
good for a long time yet! A tight, freshly rebuilt motor usually shows 70+
psi on start-up form cold, holding 55+ psi at idle when warm with 20/50
motor oil.
The recommended and most widely used motor oil is 20/50, which most likely
not show any difference on your gauge. The problem is that 20/50 synthetic
is sometimes difficult to find, and 5w40 is the closest you can get.
I think you are fine. Enjoy your car!
Dave
----- Original Message -----
From: "DenverD" <DenverD@Texan.dk>
To: "mgs" <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2001 1:17 PM
Subject: oil pressure fluctuations
> cruising at 2000 RPM, 4th gear + overdrive..
> before the oil is warmed good the oil pressure is 60+ PSI and
> steady..
> as it heats it drops to about 45 or so...
> and usually stays steady..
> but sometimes, (and i can't pin it to anything--like going up or
> down a hill, around a curve etc) the oil pressure fluctuates from
> 40 to 60 back and forth, back and forth....maybe taking a second
> and a half from 40 to 60 and back to 40..
>
> the needle swings smoothly up and back..
>
> it may do that for a minute or two and then smooth out again at
> about 45..
>
> the dip stick shows oil right up to the full mark..
>
> ideas?
>
> what should a "good" '71 engine have for PSI at 2000 RPM, 72 degree
> day, 5w40 synthetic oil? (i STILL have not received my books
> ordered 8 weeks ago)
>
> DenverD - A Texan in Denmark
> 65B # GHN3L/33680; engine 18V581-H193
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