DAPY Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 At idle when hot the oil pressure in my 1982/305 drops close to "0". Engine accelerates well and runs smoothly in all regimes. Makes no unusual noises. Has 30K miles. Does not overheat or use oil. Should I worry? Use thicker oil? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim78 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 First step is to check the accuracy of your gauge by using a direct reading gauge of known accuracy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAPY Posted June 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 What would be a "gauge of known accuracy"? I'm not mechanical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plwindish Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 I had a similar issue with my '76 (400 SBC)a few years back. Your mechanic should be able to easily check the accuracy of your gauge. My gauge was accurate. Pressure was anywhere from 28-36 at highway speed and down to nearly 0 idling. My pressure issue was solved by finding a couple other issues with the motor and having it rebuilt. Pressure at highway speeds is now at 52. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAPY Posted June 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 So it wasn't your gauge. Since my engine is the 305 with only 35K miles with good compression I do not want to have it rebuilt. Replaced maybe with a rebuilt 350. What is the continuing risk? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studegary Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 I would use 10W30 oil and as long as your engine maintains at least five psi, I would just run it. In the days of idiot lights, many engines idled at very low pressures and the owner did not know it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim78 Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 16 hours ago, DAPY said: What would be a "gauge of known accuracy"? I'm not mechanical. Any well equipped repair shop should have a calibrated pressure gauge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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