Hello everyone, this is my first post here on FTE, so if I do something incorrectly I apologize!

So first things first, I have just recently purchased a 1973 F100 with the stock 5.9l 360 in it. This is my first carbureted engine that I have owned, and every time I start it the oil pressure is very high, almost on the H, then after awhile of running at temperature it will lower down to about average oil pressure. I was just wondering if this is normal for these engines or if there is something to be concerned about. Other than that the truck runs amazing! I plan on cleaning up the carburetor over the winter also, this truck will be my first project vehicle so I am excited to get to work!

 

Normal. The oil is more viscous when cold, so pressure is high when you first start engine. As it warms up, oil thins and pressure comes down. "normal" oil pressure is pretty good for a truck that old.

 

Initial start-up with cold engine

 

My gas gauge reads the same as yours!

 

Seems Normal to me, as march said above.

Just wanted to point out that it maybe possible OP is used to the "idiot gauges" which don't move much. These older trucks don't have those and so the needle moves around.

Some more info:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...iot-gauge.html
Ford Oil Pressure Gauge Fix

 

Nice info on the issue and fix too.