[66conv6]

My 66 convertible six cyl has about 70,000 miles. 10,000 on a recent valve job. I've been using synthetic oil since the engine was broken in with great results. I drive daily roundtrip about 40 miles to and from work. My question is; until a few months ago the stock oil pressure gauge showed the needle halfway across the gauge. Now it is towards the bottom part of the midrange. (There are two lines at the bottom, left side of the gauge and the needle shows just above the 2nd mark after the car is warmed up.) When the engine is cold the needle is halfway across the gauge. I live in Los Angeles. I've changed oil and filter. I've checked the oil sender connection. I often drive at 80mph, sometimes 85 (at 5AM) to work. Too much strain on the engine? I do this quite often. Could the oil pump be wearing out. Is it a life limited part? Other than that the car runs great.

 

[Guest]

I would'nt sweat it. The oil pump is not life limited. It's ususally replaced on-condition, or at overhaul. The pump is probably fine, but your bearing clearances are just increasing over time and wear, lowering the operating pressure. Volume is more important than pressure with your mileage. Just keep an eye on it naturally and note any further changes.

 

[Guest]

These ar pretty tough little engines and normally will run l-o-n-g beyond 70k. The first thing you might want to do is replace the oil pressure sending unit--they do go bad from time to time.

Before you go having it torn apart, have a mechanic install a mechanical guage to check your real oil pressure.


[color:red]Dennis

Practice, Practice, Practice . . . . . . . .</font color=red>

[color:green]My 66' Coupe project car. </font color=green> http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1618391&a=12355980&p=45202634&f=0.jpg

 

[avj97]

I suddenly had the same problem in my 69 last summer. The needle would go right down to nothing...but there was no knocking so I replaces the sending unit. That was it...

Get yourself a sending unit, that's probably the culprit.

JJ
69 Fastback 302 2v 3sp. trans.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1605599&a=12251632&p=44630868.jpg

 

[Guest]

its probably the sending unit, i had the same problem with mine while driving on the highway back when i had 130k on the motor. I almost had a heart attack when i saw the gauge drop like that, but then I replaced the sending unit (10 bucks) it was fine.

Todd Dietrich
[email protected]
'66 Fastback
Allentown, PA
ObsidianSpider on AOL IM
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[Guest]

My experiences with the 200 six have been considerable... It is my long standing
opinion that oil pressure is not needed for normal operation. Normal operations include:
...Banzai dashes from houston to galvaston
...Daily work commute for years
...Cruises from houston to new york city and back. Be sure to shop around for your motor oil.
Remember quantity is everything.
jimbo

M.C.A.# 50000
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