[edthatalkinhors]

Related question, but the opposite:

How much oil pressure is too much?

My book says I should be at 6 PSI at idle. I'm at 18. This is with the engine fully warmed. When I rev to 3000 rpm, the pressure is ~72 psi, book says I should be 35-75. So I'm barely in the range. I'm worried that if I'm driving around before the engine is fully warmed up, is my pressure gonna be too high? How high is a damage-inducing pressure?

 

[GLHS0325]

Is there a way to connect another known working, gauge and sender unit just to test the pressure?
It almost sounds like you have the wrong sender for that stock gauge.

 

[edthatalkinhors]

I used a brand new this: Engine Oil Pressure Test Kit to get the actual values. But when I have the sender hooked up instead it also looks high-ish, although there's nothing but L and H and some lines. See the picture I posted earlier.

 

[GLHS0325]

Ah, Harbor Freight.
Yes, now I see the problem

 

[jimmytroy]

I put in a melling oil pump and guess I got lucky that it worked right off the bat

 

[NAJ]

I posted the Harbor Freight pressure gauge only because I assumed you would not want to spend more for a gauge that you may never use again.
The 6 PSI is the minimum pressure needed, below that the light will come on.
What is the pressure relief spec on the pump you installed?

 

[GLHS0325]

I posted the Harbor Freight pressure gauge only because I assumed you would not want to spend more for a gauge that you may never use again.
The 6 PSI is the minimum pressure needed, below that the light will come on.
What is the pressure relief spec on the pump you installed?

NAJ:
I'm glad you brought up about the pressure relief spec.It reminded me that I read about different oil pressure relief springs, depending on the pump and application.


edthatalkinhors

If the spring is weak, or the pump installed is a high volume pump, then the oil pressure readings could be off.

If the Melling pump is built to stock specs, then it might be a good idea replace the original oil pressure relief spring with a new OEM one.

Also:
They made one stock oil pump for the 1981 through 1985 2.2L.
They made a different pump starting in 1986 and it was the same for the 2.2L and the 2.5L engines.

 

[edthatalkinhors]

The only info I can find regarding the pressure is "Standard Volume and Pressure"

The engine is the 3.0L.

I guess its a little reassuring that 6 PSI is the minimum, and I'm not supposed to be spot on.

 

[NAJ]

I cannot find a max pressure spec, the only spec I found is @ idle...
11.8 PSI (or more) @ 167 - 194 degrees oil temp.
(From Alldata)
If you are all together, car is running fine, no noises and you have proper oil pressure @ idle I would say you are good to go.
Just remember, with higher pressure it is an indicator of a good/tight engine.

 

[GLHS0325]

I completely forgot that you're building a 3.0L
I'm glad everything looks like it's in range though.

 

[nj6934]

Replaced the oil pump on my 3.0L, because I had the timing belt off and figure why not.

New melling pump. Cleaned out the pickup, put on with new gasket, torqued everything to spec.

Got everything back together. New oil filter, new 5W-20 oil. No oil pressure. Not even oil in the filter.

What went wrong?

I'm going to try sucking at the oil filter housing with my shopvac, maybe that can get things going?

I'm very low on ideas.

I’m having the exact problem, did you ever figure it out?

 

[arieskcar]

I’m having the exact problem, did you ever figure it out?

It looks like an LS style pump just do this.

 

[NAJ]

I’m having the exact problem, did you ever figure it out?

Welcome To TD!!!
1)What are we working on?
2)What was the original problem?
a)Low oil pressure can also be caused by worn/damaged rod/main/camshaft bearings.
b)If the Water Pump was leaking and coolant got into the oil it can/will damage those bearing and they will have to be replaced if damaged.
3)Did you follow the instructions for Timing Belt/Oil Pump Replacement?
a)I can those to you if interested.

 

[85lebaront2]

I am going to give you an old piece of instructions for a 215 ci or Buick V6 with the external oil pump (also valid for Ford 3.8L V6 and B and RB Mopar V8s along with Y block Ford and Lincoln V8s) Take the pump cover off and fill the cavity with vaseline or light grease, this will seal the pump enough to allow it to prime.

This is a common issue with external or higher mounted oil pumps, especially after a number of years in operation.