I have a 76 f150 with a 390.
And for some reason its losing oil pressure .. Now it's a LOW right at the end.
I noticed theres oil leak by the distributor.
Could i damage the engine if i drive it like that?
And what can i do to check it and fix it?
Is some i better take to mechanic shop?

 

It's hard to tell what's wrong with just a picture but yes prolonged use with low oil pressure can damage the engine.

 

would really need to know what the pressure is at both idle & at cruise speeds

 

Do you have a mechanical gauge?

 

Im like really new at this.. The gauge is the one the comes originally with the truck.. And its not making changes with the RPM

 

could be a faulty gauge, add a mechanical gauge to get an accurate reading

 

I wouldn't panic yet, most of that oil residue you see in that pic is most likely coming from where the intake manifold meets the block and or the valve covers and or the timing cover and or a dozen other mating surfaces that leak on these motors as the years go by.... Dont freak out about installing a real oil pressure gauge its stupid easy, I know because I did it , if your gonna give it a shot, just make a new post and we will get ya thru it.... its the only way your actually going to know where your true oil pressure is.... Other wise your going to drop $$$ at a shop and who knows what or how they are going to say or do.... Any auto parts store will carry the basic fluid in-line gauge for about $15-$25........

 

Install a live oil pressure gauge. My 74's factory gauge barely moved the needle. Live gauge shows 40 psi hot and 70+ cold.

 

Yep, another one on the real gauge. I run a cheap gauge from eBay and it shows 60psi cold idle on my tired old 351C and about 30psi hot.

The gauges come with a sensor that plugs into an oil gallery and senses the pressure, then sends that signal to the gauge. All you need to do it tap into an oil gallery, or simply remove the stock sensor and install the new one for the gauge.

- boingk

 

Could be as simple as a bad sender. Get yourself an aftermarket gauge kit. You might even plumb it in the original location and keep the factory gauge, too

The threads are 1/4" NPT which is the same as 1/4" MIP. You can get brass fittings at any hardware store