more on ticking sbc -- oil pressure

1249 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Frisco, Dec 26, 2006

mhamilton

Discussion Starter · Dec 25, 2006 (Edited)

I finally got around to putting a real pressure gauge on my Chevy. This is with a replacement stock oil pump, and measured at the back of the block where stock pressure switch goes.

With 15w40 oil, engine at full operating temp:
35 psi @ idle (750 rpm)
55 psi @ 1000 rpm
60 psi @ 1500 rpm
60 psi @ 2000 rpm

Are these normal with a heavy oil?

These numbers seem healthy to me, but wanted to confirm. I expect there will be some drop when I switch to 10w30 oil, but I hope these pressures eliminate internal oil leakage as causing my ticking noises.

Thanks,
-Michael

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inquiring_mind2

· #2 · Dec 25, 2006

so what was the final verdict on what was causing the ticking noise

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mhamilton

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 25, 2006

Oh, I haven't pulled the engine apart yet... this sb is in a driver, so I was just getting around to checking the oil pressure. Didn't think it was a problem considering the miles I have on it with no bearing noises, but wanted to make sure there wasn't something stupid causing no pressure to the lifters.

I've isolated it to the LH bank, haven't isolated a cylinder or valve yet. I'm really not sure if I should pull the head, or if it's a problem like piston slap. The ticking does quiet down once it gets hot, and it always ticks on deceleration. Then again, putting a vacuum gauge on the engine shows a fluttering needle at idle, so maybe a bad valve guide?

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Frisco

· #4 · Dec 26, 2006

mhamilton said:
With 15w40 oil, engine at full operating temp:
35 psi @ idle (750 rpm)
55 psi @ 1000 rpm
60 psi @ 1500 rpm
60 psi @ 2000 rpm

Are these normal with a heavy oil?

These numbers seem healthy to me, but wanted to confirm.
Thanks,
-Michael

Those figures seem about as good as it gets to me. Switching to 10w30 shouldn't change the figures much. :thumbup:

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