Terry,
It is normal for oil pressure to be higher at startup (cold engine),
because the oil is thicker at that time. As it warms it becomes thinner
and flows easier creating a lower oil pressure.
It is also typical that the pressure will be higher at higher rpms.
Just make sure that you have sufficient pressure at idle to keep the
engine lubricated and you are probably ok. Low oil pressure can be
caused by a failing pump, but typically is caused by worn main bearings.
Regards,
Joe Curry
"Terry L. Thompson" wrote:
>
> This is a question about my '50 ford, but it's a general mechanical
> question.
>
> The engine is from a 1976 Ford truck. And it seems to run fine, but
> when I first turn on the motor, it runs the oil pressure at about 50 lbs.
> Once it's fully warmed up and I've been driving it around, the pressure
> drops to about 35 lbs of pressure. (The oil according to the dip stick is
> at a good level.)
>
> Is this normal for engines? And if not, is this symptomatic of anything
> I could possible check out (failing oil oil pump or whatever)?
>
> -Terry
> '76 Spit 1500
> '50 Ford truck
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"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
-- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
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