Oil pressure light on

[oranGekrate]

Sbc 350 in my pontiac, unknown miles runs very well, no knocks or ticks. The other day I got off the highway, at the stop light the idiot oil light came on at idle. The light cuts off when rpms rise. When I got this car it had synthetic 20w-50 run in it. I switched it over to dino 10w-30. Drove it for a while now with no issues until the other day. Pulled the dipstick looks clean and to the top. Not a mechanic and looking for a place to start so I can figure out what's going on. I did talk to a retired mechanic I know, he said put it back to 20w-50 and if the light stays off then most likely bearing issues. I know it could be any number of possible issues from a sending switch to a pump etc, but I'd like to here what you guys think. Appreciate any response, thanks.

 

[RegalBegal]

I'd start by putting an oil pressure gauge on it, see what your actual pressure is at different rpm's. Then go from there.

 

[oranGekrate]

I'd start by putting an oil pressure gauge on it, see what your actual pressure is at different rpm's. Then go from there.

Thanks RegalBegal, If I had one I'd do that. I'm not a real fan of gauges, that's why I don't have one.

 

[BPTTONE420012]

i would just start using a thicker oil... the question is, at what psi does the dummy light turn on? dummy lights suck, toss an after market oil pressure gauge in it, and see what the ACTUAL pressure is... you might not have anything to worry about

 

[oranGekrate]

i would just start using a thicker oil... the question is, at what psi does the dummy light turn on? dummy lights suck, toss an after market oil pressure gauge in it, and see what the ACTUAL pressure is... you might not have anything to worry about

I think the switch cuts on at 6lbs and less. I May get some gauges but good "reliable/accurate"gauges are expensive. I like the dummy lights because I have had gauges in many cars in the past. They make me a slave to what's going on. I hated being in hot weather bumper to bumper freakin out. Dummy gauges keep me calm, although it's usually to late at that point when they go on.
I'm going to try the higher viscosity an see what happens. I just don't want a catastrophic failure on one of my lengthy road trips.

 

[BPTTONE420012]

stick the gauge in the glove box, this way you only look when you need to... 😀

 

[oranGekrate]

stick the gauge in the glove box, this way you only look when you need to... 😀

Oh I like that idea. Is a tee fitting available to run both the dummy light and gauge I wonder? Been a while since I last bought gauges, whats good now days. :?

 

[jacobdavis1979]

Im pretty sure you can tee both dummy and gauge to have both. And if this makes you feel better as far as i know as long as a sbc has 1 psi for every 100 rpm ( like 5psi at 500, 10 at 1000rpm ) you should be fine.

Earlier you brought up the oil pump those just create volume and move the oil so if its bad you got 0 all the time. Bearings create oil pressure so i imagine those are worn is all.

As for the idiot light you cant trust it. I know just them alone makes for a nice clean look but you always gotta put function before style no matter what. A nice mechanical gauge is what you need and once you pop that on i bet youl see that your motor is probly just fine.
I recommend Sunpro for gauges cheap and very accurate

And last but not least i found some really cool stuff a few years ago lucas oil stabilizer its the best $12 you will ever spend i promise. Just add it to the oil on your next change you will add about 5psi to your oil pressure you will have MUCH LONGER bearing life and it coats everything in the motor while its running i put it in every car ive ever owned during every oil change

 

[oranGekrate]

Im pretty sure you can tee both dummy and gauge to have both. And if this makes you feel better as far as i know as long as a sbc has 1 psi for every 100 rpm ( like 5psi at 500, 10 at 1000rpm ) you should be fine.

Earlier you brought up the oil pump those just create volume and move the oil so if its bad you got 0 all the time. Bearings create oil pressure so i imagine those are worn is all.

As for the idiot light you cant trust it. I know just them alone makes for a nice clean look but you always gotta put function before style no matter what. A nice mechanical gauge is what you need and once you pop that on i bet youl see that your motor is probly just fine.
I recommend Sunpro for gauges cheap and very accurate

And last but not least i found some really cool stuff a few years ago lucas oil stabilizer its the best $12 you will ever spend i promise. Just add it to the oil on your next change you will add about 5psi to your oil pressure you will have MUCH LONGER bearing life and it coats everything in the motor while its running i put it in every car ive ever owned during every oil change

Good post jacobdavis. Amazing that in all my years and all the different cars, I've never had a low pressure reading. I've had a ton of other issues, but never low oil pressure. I've always thought the only thing you pour in a crankcase should be oil only, but I'll consider the lucas additive. I go to http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ for all my usual questions about oil and additives zinc no zinc hoopla...I've been looking at Auto Meter, Auto gauge(made by auto meter I think)Stewart Warner, I'll add Sunpro to the search. Looking to keep cost of oil and water to under $100 if that's possible for decent gauges.

 

[jacobdavis1979]

Well as for zinc additives i dont believe in them 99% of them are a waste of money in my opinion. Lucas is just one that actully works ive ran it in my Malibu, Corsica, Sierra etc. In some cases ive even seen improved gas millage. Just pay attention to the label and make sure its Lucas OIl Stabilizer. I had a buddy one time poor guy i felt so bad he bought Lucas transmission fix and put it in his oil pan by accident he was really havin a rough day lol I dont know if it did any harm or not but check that bottle lol

Ive had Auto Meter in the past they are great gauges just alittle pricey. Ive never had Stewert Warner but ive heard good things and better to have somthing than nothing. Sunpros are cheap and accurate. What i have in my bu right now i think they are called Eqquis or iEqquis or somthing i dont remember but they seem ok they get the job done.

Anytime i drop a motor in a car even if its been brand new out the crate i always install an Oil pressure guage and a Temp gauge they are a must have in my opinion. And i think you can buy cluster of sunpro Temp, Volt, and OIl pressure for like $30 at Oreillys or Autozone i dont think Napa carrys sunpro