Jack,
Even with a new oil pump, an engine with worn out main bearings would
not have solid oil pressure. This is because the extra surface gap in
the bearings would allow for less pressure to build up and be reflected
in the reading on the gauge.
It's just like blowing up a balloon. If the balloon is new, as you blow
into it the pressure rises. If you cut the end off it, blowing into it
only causes the air to go out the hole and the pressure doesn't rise.
Regards,
Joe
"Radley, Jack" wrote:
>
> What does the oil pressure gauge measure? If it is oil pressure right
> off the pump, what does that have to do with the condition of the
> engine?
>
> If you have an engine that is 100 miles from blowing up, but that has
> had a new oil pump installed wouldn't you expect to get good pressure
> while at the same time you are driving a time bomb?
>
> Do the differences in the tolerances found in a new engine compared to
> the tolerances found in a worn out engine affect oil pressure? Is the
> oil pressure gauge affected by the back pressure of oil being pumped
> through the tighter tolerances of a new engine?
>
> I'm just sort of stuck on this. If the gauge reflects pressure right
> off the pump, then engine condition would seem irrelevant - unless some
> sort of back pressure comes into play.
>
> Jack Radley
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"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
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