Hi,
The first thing to check is to make sure the gauge is right. Get a known
good gauge and see what the oil pressure is. If the gauge on your dash is
wrong, replace it.
The next thing to check is the oil pressure relief valve located along the
bottom on the block on the driver's side (on US Spec cars) aka the
"nearside" to the British. Put a pan under the car to catch the oil (and
maybe parts). Crack the big nut and let the oil drain out. Once it stops
dripping, pull the assembly out.
My money is on either the valve being deeply scored (and therefore hanging
up in the bore) or the spring is broken. I've seen this a lot and it seems
to stick open when the car has been sitting for a long time.
You can buy a new valve, spring and copper washer if you want. Note: also
check the bore of the big nut, you want smooth operation of the valve in
the nut thingie.
If it's not the gauge or the pressure relief valve, then your problem is
SERIOUS and you have something way out of spec in the motor. The order to
check is oil pump, then mains, then rods. If those are all to spec, you
have a problem with the cam bearings and you're losing pressure there.
Hope for the best! The stuck oil pressure relief valve is pretty common.
rml
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