Oil Pressure Question
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 127
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From: Chilliwack
Oil Pressure Question
Hi everyone, I have a 1981 Bronco with a 351M in it. I was a little concerned with my oil pressure, the stock gauge read almost nothing once it warmed up. I just installed a mechanical gauge into the block between the fuel pump and the oil filter. It reads 75psi when the vehicle is cold and running at fast idle (approx 2100-2200 rpm). Once the vehicle is warm and it is idling at around 900rpm the oil pressure is at 25psi and it reads 10-15psi when warm and in gear. Does this sound normal because I am wanting to add some bolt ons to the engine for some more power but I don't want to be throwing money into a dying engine. Thanks for any replies.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I'm concerned about the reliability of your readings. The stock gauge takes its reading near the end of the oiling system, so it gives a "worst-case" reading and is what you should go by.
If I remember correctly, the plug you tapped into is located much earlier in the oiling system, and readings taken there will be higher than what the rear mains are getting.
If I remember correctly, the plug you tapped into is located much earlier in the oiling system, and readings taken there will be higher than what the rear mains are getting.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,191
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From: WA
Originally Posted by fmc400
I'm concerned about the reliability of your readings. The stock gauge takes its reading near the end of the oiling system, so it gives a "worst-case" reading and is what you should go by.
If I remember correctly, the plug you tapped into is located much earlier in the oiling system, and readings taken there will be higher than what the rear mains are getting.
If I remember correctly, the plug you tapped into is located much earlier in the oiling system, and readings taken there will be higher than what the rear mains are getting.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 2
From: Chilliwack
I recently read on another post in this forum that you could hook the gauge to either location and on initial start up the pressure would be higher at the front port but once the engine warmed up there would be no difference between the two. Did I mis-understand what the person was saying? I believe the post was called "Gauge connection locations" or something like that, it was within the last week that I read it.
