Darbone85737 Posted March 31, 2015 Report Posted March 31, 2015 I have a newly rebuilt 218 engine in my P18. I finally have it starting and running beautifully. When started cold the oil pressure gauge is reading over 60 psi. That seems high but I haven't run the engine long enough for it to get warm yet. Is this normal and what is the usual oil pressure at idle when the engine is warm? Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 31, 2015 Report Posted March 31, 2015 (edited) relevant on temp and engine speed..it would drop back a bit...at normal driving temp and rpm it will be 30-40 area...the rule of thumb is 10 lbs per 1000 RPM..at idle it can be quite low by looking at your gauge..it is also rule of thumb any indication of pressure at low idle is also good.. Edited March 31, 2015 by Plymouthy Adams Quote
mayflower48 Posted March 31, 2015 Report Posted March 31, 2015 Mine is about 45 cold and just under 40 warm at idle. Quote
greg g Posted March 31, 2015 Report Posted March 31, 2015 60 may indicate a stuck relief valve. If it doesn't drop when warm after an extended run at operating temp, it might require a look see. Quote
Darbone85737 Posted March 31, 2015 Author Report Posted March 31, 2015 Thanks. I hope to run the engine to operating temp tomorrow and I'll keep an eye on the gauges. Quote
Guest gdaddypaul Posted April 15, 2015 Report Posted April 15, 2015 Hear that big sigh of relief? THANKS Plymouthy! Drove my B3B for about 40 miles, for the first time that far on a warm Spring day. Oil pressure was its usual 40psi, plus or minus at just about anything above idle (cold or hot) but I got kinda twitchy when at about 160 degrees showing on the temp gauge, the OP dropped to almost nothing when idling at a stop light. By the way, my travels were to a local-wish car show, where "Tonka" was judged one of the top 25 in a 200+ vehicle show! What a major hoot! Quote
54Illinois Posted April 16, 2015 Report Posted April 16, 2015 The Plymouth manual says "any" oil pressure is okay.... Quote
Darbone85737 Posted April 17, 2015 Author Report Posted April 17, 2015 After running it through a few heat cycles it now starts cold @60 psi and holds 40psi when warm at idle. The engine is a brand new rebuild and runs and sounds great. 2 Quote
fordkustom Posted April 19, 2015 Report Posted April 19, 2015 Mine is a new build and holds at 45 all day long Quote
soth122003 Posted April 19, 2015 Report Posted April 19, 2015 What oil weight are you using? If you are using a 40 weight it might explain the higher pressure at start then lower as it warms up. Joe 1 Quote
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