Home page

Oil Pressure

Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling

3 Messages
Page 1 of 1
Share:
Sponsored Content

Already a Member?

Welcome back! Access your account.

Sign In

Not yet a Member?

Join our community! Registration is free.

Join Free

Oil Pressure

Posted: 6/14/19 5:29pmMessage 1 of 3
Profile Pic
Gold Member
Send PM
Weatogue, CT - USA
Joined: 6/29/2015
Posts: 102
Vette(s): 1979 C3 L82 383 cu in

My oil pressure runs 80 PSI over 2,000 rpm and 45 psi at idle or 700 rpm. Is this typical for a C3 79' L82?  I was told today that 45 psi  to 20 psi is the norm for standard oil pump and stock oil pan for this 350  small block.  He said I may be pumping my stock oil pan dry at the higher rpm's causing the engine oil and engine to overheat.

"Made to be run hard"
Simsbury, Ct.

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support Vette Registry)

Re: Oil Pressure

Posted: 6/14/19 7:16pmMessage 2 of 3
Profile Pic
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send PM
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22714
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

80psi of oil pressure will not pump the pan dry, by any means....PSI is a measure of pressure, not volume. A high volume pump can suck a pan dry in certain instances, but not a high pressure pump. Are you getting your pressure readings for the factory, electrical gauge, or do you have a quality mechanical gauge?

80 psi(hot) at road speed is a bit much, I would agree. Chances are someone possibly installed a high pressure pump somewhere down the road. Can't say that I would agree with that causing an overheating issue in normal driving conditions. My '74 will hit 75-80psi on a cold start, and then settle down to 45psi at idle once warmed. Never seen it go below 45 psi ever, no matter what rpm. Basic "Rule of thumb" for oil pressure required is 10 psi for every 1000 rpm. 

Oil viscosity might have something to do with the high pressure, also...what oil are you using?

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Oil Pressure

Posted: 6/15/19 4:00pmMessage 3 of 3
Profile Pic
Gold Member
Send PM
Weatogue, CT - USA
Joined: 6/29/2015
Posts: 102
Vette(s): 1979 C3 L82 383 cu in

I hooked up a pressure gauge to the motor and validated what the electric gauge was stating.  I burned up the main bearings time trialing the car and just replaced them. This car has always overheated despite my aluminum 3 row radiator, 160 degree thermostat and validating all the sensors were working properly.  I think something else and not the  the coolant is causing the engine to overheat.  I just switched to 10w30 full synthetic oil vs the 10w30 standard oil I was using after I installed the new bearings. I have ordered dual electric fans and after I get them installed I will have to see where I'm at.

thanks for advise.

"Made to be run hard"
Simsbury, Ct.

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Share:

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Sponsored Content