oil pressure dropping
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
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oil pressure dropping
I got 89 F-150 with a 302 v-8 recently its been dropping oil pressure when i go to a stop and also the engine light comes on. but when i hit the gas and start moving the oil pressure is fine. i checked the oil to see if it was low on oil yesterday and there was some oil leakage looked like comin from the valve cover. i think maybe its my valve cover gasket, ive also heard it might be that my head is cracked or my head gasket is screwed up id thought id post somethin to see if i can get some opinions on my problem before i start tearin into it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
Does the oil pressure stay normal when you first start the engine, and then once it's warmed up..the pressure will drop down?
These engines should run between 40-60psi of oil pressure at idle. If an engine drops pressure at idle when the engine is warm, that means the bearings are worn and the engine will need a rebuild soon. When the engine gets warm the oil thins out and fills in the gaps/spaces of the bearings/engine better which causes you to loose the pressure. Changing the oil pump doesn't help...only a rebuild. Using a thicker oil will get a little more lift out of the engine.
These engines should run between 40-60psi of oil pressure at idle. If an engine drops pressure at idle when the engine is warm, that means the bearings are worn and the engine will need a rebuild soon. When the engine gets warm the oil thins out and fills in the gaps/spaces of the bearings/engine better which causes you to loose the pressure. Changing the oil pump doesn't help...only a rebuild. Using a thicker oil will get a little more lift out of the engine.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 627
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you need a mechanical or alternate gauge as the ford gauges are only idiot lights and read pressure if there is more than 8 lbs. and read nothing if there is less. So spend a few bucks and hook up a mech. gauge and find out before you spend a lot.
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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I have the same problem. When you say that this is caused by the bearings being worn, do you mean cam Bearings, rod Bearings, or main Bearings?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
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you probably have general wear in your rod and main bearings cam bearings will usually last 1 to 2 rebuilds.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Hamilton Ontario
I missed the oil change...
And after about 8000km on my 301000 km (180000 miles)now ex F 150 w/302 , sold it yesterday 
my oil pressure did the same thing , changed the oil and filter , (oil was dirty) I think the filter was plugged restricting the oil from flowing. Only time it did it after that was after towing a 4000# TT.At idle oil pressure would go down like yours only after she was good and hot from towing. After letting it cool down for a half hour or so , it would be fine.
Probably is bearings?
Good luck
Sty
my oil pressure did the same thing , changed the oil and filter , (oil was dirty) I think the filter was plugged restricting the oil from flowing. Only time it did it after that was after towing a 4000# TT.At idle oil pressure would go down like yours only after she was good and hot from towing. After letting it cool down for a half hour or so , it would be fine.Probably is bearings?
Good luck
Sty
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