Should I be worried?
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 47
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From: Oxnard, CA
Should I be worried?
Low oil pressure issue. 1965 F250 352. From what I've read in past threads, most people seem to have a dip in pressure while idling, but mine goes down to 0 on the gauge while driving, then back up while at a stop. Seems pretty dramatic. Oil level is fine and did a change a couple months ago. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!
at a stop light, in neutral.
In 4th going about 50.
at a stop light, in neutral.
In 4th going about 50.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 522
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My thought is your mains are leaking by under load due to wear and at idle they are setting "in the groove" with less leakage.
I do not think your oil is being stored up top, there would be some pcv valve problems like sucking oil into the carb if too much oil is retained up stairs if the engine has pcv. Seems if too much oil is retained up top, the sump would go dry and you would crash the engine or at least get some horrible rattle.
Just guessing of course, I have never had one with too much oil on top but I have had one make a horrible death rattle just before wiping the bearings on a newly rebuilt due to a loose oil filter oil dump in downtown Phoenix traffic.
I do not think your oil is being stored up top, there would be some pcv valve problems like sucking oil into the carb if too much oil is retained up stairs if the engine has pcv. Seems if too much oil is retained up top, the sump would go dry and you would crash the engine or at least get some horrible rattle.
Just guessing of course, I have never had one with too much oil on top but I have had one make a horrible death rattle just before wiping the bearings on a newly rebuilt due to a loose oil filter oil dump in downtown Phoenix traffic.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
TW, The FE engine has a design issue that relates to oil pressure and when the wear/miles go up the registered idle pressure goes down. Snap a photo of the gauge after it has sat over night or 24 hours (cold engine), bet it will be higher. 
There are several other little things that can be done, but unless cold idle pressure is at 0, don't sweat it. Just make sure there is oil in the crankcase.
John
There are several other little things that can be done, but unless cold idle pressure is at 0, don't sweat it. Just make sure there is oil in the crankcase.
John
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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I would suspect that debris in the oil pan has collected under the screen in the oil pump pickup tube. At idle, the restriction is minimal, but at higher RPMs the increased suction pulls up the debris against the screen and restricts the oil flow into the engine. The usual source for debris is broken nylon teeth from the cam gear and broken pieces of the hardened valve stem seals. The solution is to R&R the oil pan, which is not difficult with the FE in the truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
Pull the valve covers and take a look at the drain holes at the front and back of the heads. After that I agree with Confederate Diesel, maybe plugging up at the pump. So pulling the pan may be next.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Asheville, NC
I would check with another gauge before anything else. Unscrew present mechanical connection or electric sending unit and tap in a mechanical gauge to the location. Ask some buddies, I bet someone has a oil psi gauge sitting around you could use for confirmation.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Oxnard, CA
Thank you for the suggestions everyone! I've actually been planning to peek under the valve covers anyway since I have some ticking going on as well. Hopefully this weekend. Thanks again.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
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From: Sun River St. George
Big or small this issue needs to be addressed asap! I'd take all the advice offered here in order of easiest first. All these possible solutions are valid and important. Check with a known reliable gauge. Pull the rocker covers and be sure the drain back holes are open. Pull the pan and clean it and while your in there install a new set of bearings and rear main seals (you're in there anyway, the hard part is done). I'd install a new oil pump and carefully inspect the pickup tube for cracks. But whatever you do do it quickly.
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