oil pressure? in the 85 olds

[easytobedead]

Ok i have a 85 salon an the the oil gauge says i have no oil pressure?
when i start the car were should the arm be?It does move but not allot. An what can i do to see if there is oil pressure?Would valve cover leaks cause the problem?Or just old oil?:confuse d:

[daves62]

it could be as simple as the oil pressure sending unit. If there is no engine noise that's were I would start
but as I'M sure you know low oil pressure could be caused by a lot of major problems proceed with caution and good luck

[Redog]

IS the oil light on?

Typically oil pressure shoiuld be higher when you start the car. I had 25 PSI running on 7 cyls with the 307. The day I put in the oil gauge is the same day I blew the motor

The 350 was 40 years old and still held almost 40 PSI when it was started up. After driving for a while the oil pressure would drop to 10 to 12 when stopped at a light (750 RPM's)

As for the valve cover gaskets, I suggest the reusealbe ones on Summit's web site. I forget the brand, but after 3 sets of VC gaskets being screwed up by me during install, I just bought these. They are idiot proof. You cannot overtighen them and they do not need RTV

[easytobedead]

Originally Posted by Redog

IS the oil light on?

Typically oil pressure shoiuld be higher when you start the car. I had 25 PSI running on 7 cyls with the 307. The day I put in the oil gauge is the same day I blew the motor

The 350 was 40 years old and still held almost 40 PSI when it was started up. After driving for a while the oil pressure would drop to 10 to 12 when stopped at a light (750 RPM's)

As for the valve cover gaskets, I suggest the reusealbe ones on Summit's web site. I forget the brand, but after 3 sets of VC gaskets being screwed up by me during install, I just bought these. They are idiot proof. You cannot overtighen them and they do not need RTV

no light an no noise.i did change the gaskets last night but had to leave to Illinois.were is the switch for it?An if i did have low oil pressure i think driving it from Wisconsin to Indiana would be bad?

[citcapp]

sending units do go bad. I suggest you buy a oil guage and temp install it in the engine bay. It can be installed at the same place the sending unit is now installed installed, then check your oil pressure. You can buy these at most auto part stores. You can then install it under the dash if you want to when you are done checking the pressure

[easytobedead]

that would be a good way to test it.But An if it is good is there any way i can fix mine?

[daves62]

Low oil pressure could be caused by a lot of factors oil pump, main or rod bearings are just a few nun are going to be fun so pray its the sending unit. im sure there are a lot more knowledgeable guys on here for that topic than me so ill leave them to it

[Redog]

Originally Posted by easytobedead

no light an no noise.i did change the gaskets last night but had to leave to Illinois.were is the switch for it?An if i did have low oil pressure i think driving it from Wisconsin to Indiana would be bad?

Low oil pressure and driving to the end of the block would be bad. I drove my Delta around like that for about 4 weeks (drove the car 2x a week) and filanlly the motor gave out. I was stuipd then.

The sending unit aslo triggers the light. It's on the top of the engine between the timing cover and manifold. It's on the right by the block casting numbers.

You'll need an oil sending unit socket and a thin walled one to get it out. I did it in the parking lot at work in less than 3 mintues while on break

[J-(Chicago)]

Originally Posted by Redog

You'll need an oil sending unit socket and a thin walled one to get it out.

I have that nifty socket as well.
But pliers work fine when I can't find it.

[easytobedead]

Originally Posted by Redog

Low oil pressure and driving to the end of the block would be bad. I drove my Delta around like that for about 4 weeks (drove the car 2x a week) and filanlly the motor gave out. I was stuipd then.

The sending unit aslo triggers the light. It's on the top of the engine between the timing cover and manifold. It's on the right by the block casting numbers.

You'll need an oil sending unit socket and a thin walled one to get it out. I did it in the parking lot at work in less than 3 mintues while on break

well the light does not turn on.i know when you have no oil that it flash's.so i am going to check that out.Ok now if i have the valve covers off an started the car should oil be riping out an if so how much?

[Redog]

^^ Please tell me you didn't do that

[J-(Chicago)]

Ok.
Here's what you do.

Go to the auto parts store and buy one of those little 2 or 3 inch oil pressure gauges for 10-15 bucks.

Make sure it comes with the little white plastic tube and the brass fittings.

Take out the oil sending unit above the water pump and install the proper brass fitting in it.
Run the tube through the top half of the fitting and washer, and tighten the 2together.
Do the same on the back of the gauge.
Don't cut the tube down at all. leave it long.

Then start the car and see what the pressure is while looking at the underhood gauge.

Then report your findings.

[easytobedead]

i just got a sunpro gauge so when i go back to Indiana i will be checking it.Now if i don't have oil pressure what can i do?

[J-(Chicago)]

Originally Posted by easytobedead

.Now if i don't have oil pressure what can i do?

Yank the motor and open her up.

[citcapp]

If you find you have no oil pressure you need to perform an autopsy and see why the patient died. X2 pull the engine.

[easytobedead]

ok guys at start ,its up to 75psi an idle its at 50psi?

[J-(Chicago)]

That's pretty high.
Better than low or no oil pressure at all though.
What kind of oil do you have in it? straight 30?
I'm not sure if the 307 roller motors demand higher oil pressure or not.
Can anyone chime in?

[Redog]

I've only know Olds motors to be at 50 psi at the most

[easytobedead]

o i will change the oil soon it needs it maybe thats why? happy to no the engine is fine!