Thread: what would you do with low oil pressure

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I bought a crate motor from a company that I heard had a great rep for building motors. I got the motor in feb. I fired it up about 2 1/2 weeks ago and my digital gauges showed the truck (after it heated up) to only have 12- 14 psi for oil pressure (At idle). I felt that was a bit to low. I called them. They said check for leaks. I did and found one. I since then have fixed that leak. Now I have put two different mechanical oil pressure gauges on and it still reads 12-14 at idle. What would YOU do? I have sent them an email this morning explaining the problem. What could it be? Rear main? The motor has less than 10 miles on it.

Thanks guys

Joe

Looks like it could be a warranty claim, I would not try to fix it myself because it could void the warranty. See what the company says first. Good luck.

P.S. I like your saying at the end of the post.

The problem right now: They want me to try and use 20 50 oil. My dad and some of our close friends (motor builder them selves) all say that all that is going to do is mask the problem.
But like you both said I will listen to them once more and try the 20 50 oil and see what happens. Thanks guys for the help!!!

20w50 is what people use when they have a worn motor or one put together with two much clearance, They also use 20w50 for severe duty,race cars etc. You should not have to use 20w50 in order to have decent oil pressure. If thats the case you have a problem. I would not except a motor like that . After you try their suggestion, then its time for action if they dont make it right. Action being a letter to them with a copy to the Better Business Bureau. Once again ,give them the opportunity to fix it. If they dont its time to see the Judge.

What have you got for pressure at higher RPM? If it has 45+ at 1500 RPM its ok.

i had this problem one time, wheni encountered it i checked the oil,it was severely low, i added oil and it idles at 40psi and at 500RPM...

other opinions

popular beleif is its cam bearings are worn but not worn out...

a kink in the tubing(its happened to me before)

the plastic connector for the oil pump shaft is worn so badly its started to slip, that can come from revving the shit out of it

There is no plastic connecter that can slip, it just holds the blade drive together.

12-14psi at idle would seem to be oil pump if the motor was freshly rebuilt. Being a crate motor, this should be the case. Anyway, if the oil pressure guage is connected immediatly after the oil pump, that says pickup issues. Especially if it starts higher and falls low. If it stays flat @ 14 and doesnt rise or fall, thats usually the pump. Or the drive gear. Either way, that motor should be warenteed. Send it back.

As RPope asked, whats the oil pressure at higher RPMS? How is it at, say, 2k, cruising speed? If it's hot, and at complete idle, 12 or 14 lbs is not terrible...I would like to see it higher, but it's not a death sentence. More research is needed. Admittedly, this is low for a brand new engine. Do not cover it up by using heavier oil. Sounds like someone doesnt want to take an engine back!!

I agree, heavy oil is a band-aid desperation move when you don't want to fix it, not for an engine on warranty. If the pressure is good at speed, it may just be clearanced a bit wide. This can be a good thing for some uses.

the oil pressure at 3000 rpms is some where around 40psi. The motor is "suppose" to be all new parts. new block, new heads, etc... I thought the pump right away, but with all new parts it seems not likely. I will be puting the 20 50 in today and we will see what happens. Thanks again guys.
WHERE DO MOST OF YOU BUY YOUR CRATE MOTORS? I know most of you rebuild your motors (I wish I could), just curious who has had luck with what companies?

joe

Thank you all. The motor is going back!!! The company is standing behind the motor 100 %. Thanks again.